When most people think of how to whiten teeth fast, one of the main teeth whitening products are over-the-counter teeth whitening strips. Though whitening strips are generally considered safe, there have been a number of experts warning that users should exert caution before committing to long term use. Here are just a few potential reasons you may want to avoid using those whitening strips and see a professional cosmetic dentist instead.
Chlorine Dioxide Exposure
As one of the main chemicals in many types of whitening strips, chlorine dioxide is the same cleaning agent used to disinfect swimming pools. That being said, it works to whiten your teeth by dissolving the surface of your enamel. When used for a long period of time, experts say the white strips can cause the worn enamel to increase your risk of tooth decay.
On the other hand, 82.5% of people saw a noticeable difference after having their teeth whitened by a dentist. So consider how to whiten teeth fast with the help of a dental professional.
Risk For Improper Use
Just because your whitening strips don’t contain chlorine dioxide doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for other risks. Many people make the mistake of applying the whitening strips for longer than directed. All this in the hopes of achieving even faster and more noticeable results. However, this could also cause risk of wearing down enamel and even the adjacent gum tissue. If your teeth feel irritated during your whitening strip use, manufacturers recommend to stop using the strips and see a dentist.
Potential For Ingestion
Even if you’re careful, there’s a very possible chance that you could ingest some of the teeth whitening strips gel during use. While small amounts won’t harm you, larger amounts can cause an upset stomach. Too much can even be fatal. These dangers definitely make you think twice about using whitening strips.
Americans annually spend $1.4 billion on teeth whitening products. Though whitening strips are typically considered safe, you never really know the long term effects some of their ingredients can have on your oral and overall health. It’s always better to consult a dentist to learn how to whiten teeth fast.
