What to consider when selecting over-the-counter teeth whitening products

Posted on: 30 August 2018

Teeth whitening products for home use come in many different types. Some are whitening strips that you place on your teeth for a few hours a day, while others come in the form of a mouthwash that you use after brushing your teeth. If you're looking to achieve a brighter smile, over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products are useful.

However, the wide variety of these products can be overwhelming if you're just getting started. Ask yourself these questions when choosing a product to use on your teeth.

1. How strong is the whitening agent?

All teeth whitening products work through an active ingredient in the gel/liquid/strip. This ingredient is a bleaching agent that works to remove stains on the surface of your teeth.

Hydrogen peroxide is perhaps the most common bleaching agent used in over the counter whitening products. You can compare the concentrations of peroxide across various products to determine the strength that you need to achieve your desired results.

All teeth whitening products should have ingredient information on the packaging box. While shopping, look through this ingredient list to find information on the bleaching agent being used.

2. How healthy are your teeth?

You should also consider the current state of your dental health before purchasing a whitening product. If you have cavities, bleeding gums, loose teeth or infections in your mouth, you should first visit a dentist to seek guidance. Some products may further agitate unhealthy teeth and cause irritation or even infection. You need a healthy set of teeth before whitening can occur.

3. How is it used?

OTC whitening products come in a wide variety of forms. They come as gels, strips, toothpaste and much more. You should look into how the product is applied, how long an application will take on a daily basis and when you can expect to see results.

If you have a busy schedule and you're patient with expecting results, whitening toothpaste may be a more convenient option for you. However, those looking for quick and effective results may prefer trays, strips or gels that are more involving to use.

4. What does your dentist recommend?

If you're overwhelmed with decisions, it is best to consult your dentist. After examining your teeth, the dentist will recommend which OTC product is best for your teeth. They can also factor in your dental health, your budget and your expected results when making a product recommendation.

For more information, contact an office like DI Dental Implant Centre about teeth whitening.

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