Peroxide — Over-the-counter Teeth Bleaching FAQs

Teeth bleaching is a common choice for people who have yellowed or stained teeth. The bleaching process removes some of the stains, making the teeth look whiter and brighter. People have a choice between over-the-counter and in-office teeth whitening. You likely have some questions about over-the-counter whitening before determining which is the right option for you. Get the answers to some of the most common questions.

How effective is over-the-counter teeth whitening?

Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits typically contain 3 percent to 20 percent of peroxide-based bleaching agents, while in-office bleaching kits contain 15 percent to 43 percent of those agents. Because of that, at-home-whitening kits are not as effective as kits used in a dental office.

Is everyone a good candidate for over-the-counter teeth bleaching?

While most people can whiten their teeth, the process is not for everyone. Some people should avoid using teeth whitening kits.

Who should not whiten their teeth?

Teeth become transparent as people age, and transparent teeth do not respond well to teeth bleaching. This also is not a good option for those who have extensive staining, extremely sensitive gums or those who are breastfeeding or pregnant.

Those who are sensitive to peroxide should also avoid this treatment. The sensitivity could lead to serious side effects.

What stains do teeth whitening kits remove?

Teeth whitening kits can remove or reduce the appearance of a variety of stains. People commonly use these kits to remove stains associated with tobacco use or foods and drinks, such as coffee.

What stains cannot be removed?

The kits cannot remove inorganic stains. Also, the kits are not effective on teeth discolored by fluorosis or darkened by trauma. Another dental procedure such as veneers is needed to improve the looks of these teeth.

Are there any risks associated with teeth whitening?

Some people experience tooth sensitivity after whitening their teeth. This usually goes away after two days. Bleaching can also irritate the gums and lips.

Avoiding irritation

Protecting the gums and lips is essential when using over-the-counter whitening kits. It is important that the harsh chemicals do not come into contact with the gums or lips. Also, avoid keeping the whitening product on the teeth any longer than recommended as that can lead to additional sensitivity issues.

Is it possible to have long-lasting results?

Breaking the behaviors that caused the discoloration is necessary to enjoy long-term results with at-home teeth whitening. For example, those who end up with discolored teeth due to smoking or drinking red wine need to eliminate those habits to make the results last. Otherwise, they will end up with stains once again.

Choose a bleaching option

At-home teeth bleaching is one option for people who want whiter teeth. These kits do not contain as much peroxide as in-office whitening products, but they still remove or reduce basic stains. Make sure you are a good candidate for teeth whitening and follow the instructions to avoid irritation. You can also consult with your dentist about other whitening options to choose the one that is right for your situation.

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