Foods that stain and lifestyle habits like smoking affect your teeth over time. One of the direct results of certain choices is yellowed or discolored teeth. Most people prefer to have a brilliant white smile that portrays good health and an attractive appearance. As a result, people are turning more and more to teeth whitening methods to restore their smile. There are two main kinds of whitening products, those that contain hydrogen or carbamide peroxide and those that don’t contain any peroxide.
Peroxide methods
This type of whitening method bleaches your teeth, which means it changes your actual tooth color. Here are some details:
- Stains – removes both surface and deep tooth stains.
- Application – may be administered professionally at the dentist’s office or at home using over-the-counter products, such as gels and strips.
- Percentage of peroxide – home bleaching products typically yield about 4 percent peroxide. Professional bleaching products contain between 25 to 40 percent peroxide, which is obviously a much stronger concentration.
- Side effects – the most common side effects of products containing peroxide are tooth sensitivity, gums and other soft tissue irritation, and redness. It is also known to sometimes cause erosion of tooth enamel.
Non-peroxide methods
Instead of using peroxide to bleach teeth, these products use chemical or physical action to remove stains and polish the teeth. Here are more details:
- Stains – removes only surface tooth stains.
- Application – most commonly found in whitening toothpastes.
- Side effects – negative side effects are minimal to none. There are no harsh chemicals that cause irritation or discomfort.
Choice
Ask your dentist first before beginning any tooth whitening method, no matter which option you are considering. Some conditions like crowns, lots of fillings, or severe discoloration can impact the type of product recommended. Your dentist can help you determine which method is right for you.