Are Whitening Strips Bad for Your Teeth?

Having pearly white teeth is the dream of many people who suffer from teeth discoloration, staining, etc. Regularly brushing our teeth and flossing as our dentists advise can be a good way to prevent such problems. But if you are already suffering from it, then the more likely solution is to use over-the-counter methods like whitening strips, plaque removal toothpaste, mouthwashes, etc. It is natural for our teeth to age as we get older. Add to this lifestyle habits such as smoking or regular intake of coffee and we get yellow and damaged teeth. People often wonder ‘are teeth whitening strips safe?’ Well, let us discover the answer together.

How do whitening strips work?

Before we get to know the advantages and disadvantages of using teeth whitening strips, it is important to understand how they function. Why are white strips safe to use? What is the composition which helps them to achieve their results?

Teeth whitening strips have a thin layer of active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide which is adhered to a plastic pliable strip. The particular combination of active ingredients used in a teeth whitening strip may differ from brand to brand. Some may even try to use excess chemicals to give you a quick result. But in the long run, these quick results can be harmful to your teeth health. Using a well-balanced active ingredients combination like the ones available with BleachSmart is a good way to protect your teeth while getting the same result. With the help of these active ingredients, the whitening strips can bleach off surface stains and even get to the intrinsic stains hidden deep down.

Are whitening strips safe to use?

To answer the question- “is whitening your teeth bad?” The simple answer is no. Whitening your teeth is not harmful if you do it the right way. Most of the teeth whitening strips available in the market are marked safe and effective by the American dental association. They pass all the health and safety measures and tests to pass the strict standards. This assures that the whitening product you are using for your teeth is safe to use. The active ingredients used in the whitening strip are not necessarily bad if they are handled properly. With certain precautions and strictly following the guidelines mentioned on the product, we can make sure that there is no damage to our teeth.

How to choose the right whitening strips?

Now that we know the answer to -is teeth whitening bad? The big question that arises is how should we choose the right whitening strips? What are the factors that can help us make the right decision?

Choose ADA approved products

You should always use dental products that are approved by the American dental association (ADA). Every product that is approved by them can be safe for use and effective as well. They are strictly in line with all the health and safety guidelines issued by the government.

Always follow the instructions

It is never a good idea to experiment with whitening strips. If the product clearly instructs that it is to be used only once a day then you should follow the same. Using the product more than it is advising will not improve its efficiency. It would only risk the health of your teeth. Always follow the instructions given on the product.

Discuss with your dentist

If you are confused about a particular product and cannot understand whether it is suitable for you or not, it is advised that you discuss it with your dentist. Rather than jumping to conclusions and assuming it is always good to discuss with them. This will also help you get to the root of the problem if there is any.

What you should know about teeth whitening products

Teeth whitening products are a quick short-term solution for yellow teeth. But in the long term, you would have to make some changes to ensure the results. Some common advice that would help you, in the long run, are as follows:

• Brush regularly and thoroughly twice a day
• Always remember to floss your teeth
• Quit smoking if possible
• Avoid stains from coffee, tea, or red wine.
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
• Do not overuse a whitening product
• Always follow the instructions given on the product
• Check the list of ingredients mentioned on the product and try to avoid chlorine dioxide.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to take good care of your teeth if you want to see them in good color and texture. Using teeth whitening strips in the short term can be helpful for a quick solution. But it would be effective only if you combine it with long-term lifestyle changes. Overuse of any solution would make it harmful. The key point here is to remember that you need to regularly clean your teeth and remember to floss. Whitening your teeth is not harmful inherently but if you overdo it can cause some damage. Try to maintain a balance and seek your dentist’s advice in case of doubts or confusion. If you are already using some medicines, it would be a good idea to discuss them with them. Investing in your health and taking the time to maintain it will always be worth it.