Are Teeth Whitening Strips Safe?

Today, it is the world of social media, and vanity plays a big role in an individual's life. People struggle to become the best versions of themselves by hook or by crook.

One such trend is the use of teeth whitening strips. You can find many videos of people trying out and recommending it.

However, the question is, "are teeth whitening strips safe?"

If you have never used teeth whitening strips, we will tell you their effectiveness and cons before you use them.

So, let's find out the answers to your common questions below!

Learn more: Dental Deep Cleaning To Keep Your Teeth For Life

How Do Teeth Whitening Strips Work?

The material used to make teeth-whitening strips is a flexible plastic lightly covered in the whitening gel, which often contains carbamide or hydrogen peroxide

The gel is forced up against and held in position when you put the strips on your teeth, enabling it to enter the tooth and start whitening it. 

Throughout the course of two to three weeks, the strips are applied every day.

Read More: Orthodontics Consultation: Your First Step to a Confident Smile

What Contributes to the Popularity of Teeth Whitening Strips?

Teeth whitening strips whiten the teeth, which is a goal many want to achieve.

Everything is dependent on where the stains are coming from and how natural your teeth are. 

The tooth discoloration teeth whitening strips remove include stains that come from smoking and consuming red wine or coffee. 

Mostly, whitening strips can't erase stains caused by medical conditions or drug responses. 

To see the impact on tough stains, you need to wait for at least six to seven days if using the teeth whitening strips.

Additionally, more advanced teeth whitening strips guarantee to show effects in as little as three days. 

After a full cycle, the effects may persist for up to six months. Avoid meals and beverages that discolour teeth if you want your teeth to stay whiter for longer. 

With the teeth whitening strips, you can use the right toothpaste when brushing.

Common Whitening Strips on the Market 

Almost any place where toothpaste is sold, you can buy teeth whitening strips. To find out if they sell professional strips, you may also ask your dentist. 

The quantity of strips in a pack determines the price of regular-strength teeth whitening strips. 

If you're considering additional in-office whitening treatment choices like lasers, the cost will be more. 

On the other hand, teeth whitening strips are a terrific and extremely economical method for trying teeth whitening strips.

Process of the Whitening Strips

Although each box of strips containing teeth whitening strips will have its unique set of instructions, the general procedure is as follows:

  • Make sure that your teeth are dry.

  • Determine which strip is for your upper teeth and which is for your lower teeth by ripping apart the bag.

  • Put the bottom strip on the backs of your teeth. The sort of strip you purchased may need you to fold it over.

  • Put the uppermost strip on the upper teeth. Once again, you may have to fold it over.

  • Give the teeth whitening strips the allotted amount of time.

  • Take the strips off.

Are Teeth Whitening Strips Safe?

Whitening strips are not harmful to your teeth when used correctly and sparingly, but excessive usage may have unfavourable effects. 

It is safe to use, though, as long as you adhere to the directions. 

Teeth sensitivity is a fairly self-limiting side effect for most people. 

The most noticeable aftereffect is that they increase tooth sensitivity. However, sensitivity is a frequent adverse effect of whitening in general, so it's not specific to whitening strips.

Your day-to-day life may be impacted by sensitivity following whitening, such as tooth sensitivity while consuming cold liquids and food items.

When used improperly, this can lead to extreme tooth sensitivity and even damage to your teeth. 

The concept is that if the strips cross a particular sensitivity level, the majority of users will no longer utilize the product.

When they use it more and more, the sensitivity goes up until they eventually just stop using it altogether. 

In a way, sensitivity is like a self-defence system alerting you to a halt.

Additionally, there's a strong likelihood that you'll experience pain in your teeth.

Therefore, while they can be harmful, it is unlikely that you will harm your teeth for the reasons listed above. 

We may also argue the same point regarding treating headaches with Tylenol. You won't get another headache unless you finish the bottle of Tylenol. 

It can, however, help you ease your headache if you take it as directed. 

Hence, your teeth will become whiter with whitening strips.

Nevertheless, just like any other treatment in the world, overusing whitening strips can cause dental damage. 

When you use teeth whitening strips in a balanced way, you may reap many benefits.

Speaking of usefulness, let's take a look at the pros and cons of teeth whitening strips:

Advantages & Disadvantages of Whitening Strips 

Firstly, let's look at the benefits of whitening strips:

1.Economical As Compared to the Other Treatments 

Teeth-whitening strips are unquestionably less expensive than any other treatments. Additionally, some people decide to buy strips because they cannot afford to have their teeth professionally whitened.

2.Simple to Use 

Using whitening strips is quite simple. All you need to do is thoroughly wash your teeth before using them. To use the whitening strips, just remove the covering and place them over your upper and lower teeth. 

After leaving them for a while, take them out. It is such a hassle-free process that you can do while performing your daily tasks.

3.Easily Available in the Market

Teeth whitening strips are available at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and supermarkets. These days, it is easier to get it from various online stores.

As you know, there are benefits to whitening strips, but let's look at the drawbacks.

1.May Damage to the Enamel of Your Teeth

Too much bleach from utilizing whitening strips may weaken or harm your tooth enamel. Your teeth may appear transparent, gray, or blue if this occurs.

2.Teeth or Gum Sensitivity 

Mild tooth sensitivity may affect people who use over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions, such as whitening strips. In addition, several people complained of gum irritation and filling erosion.

3.Non-Identical Results 

Whitening strips may not uniformly or perfectly cover your teeth. Particularly if your teeth are crooked or have an alignment issue, you get uneven white spots. 

Are Teeth Whitening Strips Safe For Kids?

The makers of teeth whitening strips want the users to read directions, comprehend risks, and apply white strips to teeth in a careful and correct manner. 

Therefore, it is your responsibility to read the box carefully for any possible risks or adverse effects if you make your children use them.

GDC states that, when used properly, the modest concentration of whitening chemicals in over-the-counter solutions is safe and won't result in lasting damage. 

So, make sure you don't leave the teeth whitening strips with the kids.

Too much time spent wearing the strips may cause severe tooth sensitivity and irritation of the oral tissue.

Gum discomfort and maybe gingival damage may result from placing the strips on the gums incorrectly.

Ensure that the kids don't swallow the teeth-whitening strips.

Also read: What Is Zoom Whitening?

FAQs 

If I have dental restorations such as crowns or veneers, can I still use teeth whitening strips?

Dental restorations may not benefit from the use of teeth whitening strips, which are intended only to whiten natural teeth. 

Are teeth whitening strips effective against all kinds of stains?

Teeth whitening strips work best on surface stains from smoking, alcohol, and food. When it comes to deeper, intrinsic stains brought on by things like heredity or specific drugs, they may not be as useful. 

How frequently should I use strips to whiten my teeth?

The majority of teeth whitening strip packages include a suggested treatment plan that calls for using the strips once or twice a day for a predetermined amount of time, usually one to several weeks.

In Conclusion 

While teeth whitening strips appear to be a great, inexpensive way to have a better smile, some risks are associated with it. 

The NHS states that there are more serious hazards, including burnt gums and tooth enamel damage. 

Make sure to abide by the instructions provided by the manufacturer and the advice of your family dentist.

Well, none of the problems related to teeth whitening strips are unmanageable. 

Yet, to utilize strips safely and efficiently, contact KWC Dental.

Muhammad Aslam