Is Tooth Whitening Safe?

Most people want to look their best. Some people seem ready to go to extremes to look the way they perceive to be the best. Some of the surgeries and procedures people undergo are simple and safe, while others seem to be over the top.

One thing that it seems everyone is doing, even those who might never consider any type of plastic surgery or other enhancement, is tooth whitening. Still, some who have yet to jump on the tooth whitening bandwagon, and even some who already have, are asking, is tooth whitening safe?

Sometimes people consider the use of chemicals for beautification to be unnatural and dangerous. In some cases this may be true, but in the case of tooth whitening, doctors and scientists have come together to do all they can to make tooth whitening safe.

The concern over teeth whitening safety arises because of the use of the chemical carbamide peroxide. This compound, in its full concentration can be harmful to the skin, eyes and respiratory system. Even at such low concentration as 35% it can cause chemical burns, turning the gums or skin white.

However, teeth whitening safety is ensured, as the chemical is administered in concentration that is proven to be safe. Generally the chemical is used at a 10% concentration in dentist’s office, when administered professionally and is given in a lower concentration in at home treatments.

Another safety precaution taken by dentists who perform the tooth whitening procedure is that the lips are moved well away from the chemical and the gums are carefully and completely covered with a protective gel or other covering to ensure that they do not come into contact with the chemical.

With at home treatments, it has been known to cause white spots to appear on the gums or even the teeth. This may be a sign of a very mild chemical burn. However, this goes away very quickly and often does not hurt at all. It also only affects some users of the product.

Another effect carbamide peroxide may have is that it may cause tooth sensitivity. However, this is generally brief, and is not dangerous at all.

Another concern that some may have about teeth whitening safety is the use of lasers. In some instances dentists will use a laser to help set the chemical and cause it to be more quickly absorbed. This can speed up the whitening process. Because it is done in the dentist’s office, it is controlled and all necessary safety precautions are taken.

One thing can be said with certainty: Carbamide peroxide is highly effective in lightening tooth color. The negative effects are minimal or non-existent. Any burning or sensitivity that might occur lasts only a very short period of time. For all these reasons, tooth whitening is believed to be safe.

 

 

 

 

Tooth Whitening News:

 


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Chain Drug Review - Too much whitening worries some dentists
November 7, 2011 -- NEW YORK -- While the popularity of tooth whiteners has helped drive oral care sales, it has also brought a warning from dental professionals....


New Product Offers Fast, Effective and Affordable Professional Tooth Whitening in About 30 Minutes
TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SmileCare introduced patients to a new professional tooth whitening option that can get teeth up to 8 shades whiter in about half the time of other professional ...


Next Generation Home Teeth Whitening System that Combines Hi-Tech Advancements to Go Mainstream
An advanced home teeth whitening kit that rivals conventional products is now available to consumers from kissMe! Teeth Whitening. Using cutting-edge technology, it saves time, is easier to use, and achieves impressive results. (PRWeb February 20, 2012) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb9208574.htm..


The Root of the Matter: Tooth Tips
The following below are a few common questions that I get in my dental practice. Q: I'm missing a tooth. It's in the back though, so nobody can see it. That's not a big deal, right? A: Each tooth in your mouth is there for a purpose...


Next Generation Home Teeth Whitening System that Combines Hi-Tech Advancements to Go Mainstream
An advanced home teeth whitening kit that rivals conventional products is now available to consumers from kissMe! Teeth Whitening. Using cutting-edge technology, it saves time, is easier to use, and achieves impressive results. (PRWeb February 20, 2012) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb9208574.htm..


The You Docs: Bariatric surgery and teeth-whitening
Q: I'm 100 pounds overweight, and I've never had any luck losing weight. Now I've got diabetes. Do you think bariatric surgery is a smart way to go? -- Gary F...


P&G worthy of consideration
How will Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) fare in 2012? Well, if the economy is weak, consumers may not stop shaving or brushing their teeth, but they may forgo higher-end items such as tooth-whitening products and may even pass up name brands such as Crest and Tide in favor of private-label products...


Dr. Shindler, Westlake Village Dentist, is Now Offering CariFree
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Philip Shindler, Westlake Village dentist , is offering a new treatment which has been proven to reduce cavities by up to 85 percent. This treatment, known ...


Torrance Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Mondavi, Offers Fluoride Treatment to Prevent Tooth Decay and Sensitivity
TORRANCE, Calif. -- Fluoridation is a controversial topic when it comes to oral health. The Center for Disease Control listed water fluoridation as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of ...


 

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