A flawless smile and healthy white teeth are two aesthetic standards that are as much appreciated as they are coveted. However, although they are often advertised as "miracle" products, tooth whiteners do not always give the much desired whiteness effect.
But are there really effective teeth whitening products?
Let's start by saying that there are different types of teeth whitening products, which exert their "whitening" effect in different ways. These products can be broadly divided into two large groups: professional whiteners and do-it-yourself or home whiteners, which comprise a vast array of natural products and remedies.
Below, the main features of both of these types of teeth whitening products will be briefly described.
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In this category, the dental whitening product par excellence is a gel based on hydrogen peroxide (35-38%). The high cost of this type of dental whitening (bleaching) - ranging from € 300 to € 600 - is an important limit to undergo the treatment. The whitening effect of the products used in a bleaching session is however surprising.
Another tooth whitening product used in a professional setting is baking soda. This technique - known as air-polishing - exploits the cleaning action of a spray of air, water and sodium bicarbonate which, directed on the surface of the teeth with a certain pressure, polishes and whitens the teeth by means of a surface and anti-abrasive action. -plate.
The cost of these treatments is certainly higher than that of natural remedies or home treatments, however, the result is much higher. In fact, a session of bleaching at the dentist leaves (literally) the mark: the teeth are evidently shinier, whiter and shinier. The whiteness effect exerted by professional whitening products is however temporary. In general, the duration of professional whitening does not exceed 2 years. In this regard, to prolong the whitening effect on the teeth, correct dental hygiene and correction are essential. bad behavioral habits (e.g. smoking, drinking lots of coffee or caffeinated substances and chewing licorice or tobacco).
.Carbamide peroxide (gel)
This product, although it can be used directly by the patient, should only be used if prescribed by the dentist.
The whitening effectiveness is high, comparable to professional whitening.
Carbamide peroxide must be applied to the teeth using special customized soft silicone masks (which perfectly reproduce the patient's dental arch).
This whitening product should be applied for a period of time ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours, once a day for 7 days.
Abrasive toothpastes
In truth, the effectiveness of these products is poor, since the whitening action is limited to the removal of surface dental stains. Furthermore, excessive use of these whitening products can wear down the dental enamel, leading to the formation of yellow teeth.
As if that weren't enough, abrasive toothpastes can increase the risk of dental hypersensitivity, tooth decay and pulpitis.
Teeth whitening pen
The whitening substances used inside these pens are carbamide peroxide or urea peroxide. Some whitening pens are also formulated with arctic lichen, hydroxyapatite and potassium chloride (suitable for sensitive teeth).
The whitening effect is visible after a couple of days and the treatment lasts approximately two weeks.
Bleaching is painless and, when used correctly, whitening pens do not damage the enamel.
Teeth whitening kit with LED light
On the market there are currently special kits for teeth whitening with LEDs to be carried out in the home.
These kits consist of an instrument capable of emitting LED light equipped with a special mask that must be inserted into the mouth and one or more whitening gels.
The use of these kits is simple: the whitening gel must be placed on the mask of the instrument which, subsequently, will have to be inserted into the mouth, taking care to make both the mask and the gel adhere to all the teeth. Then, the lamp The instrument's LED must be activated by means of the appropriate button. The LED light remains on for a certain period of time (generally, from 2-3 to 10 minutes depending on the type of device used), after which the device must be removed from the mouth.
Before rinsing the mouth with plenty of water, the gel should be left on the teeth for another 5-10 minutes so that it can fully perform its whitening action (the time interval is usually specified by the manufacturer).
Depending on the kit used, the procedure must be repeated two or three times a day for at least fourteen days.
This type of whitening product, according to many, allows to obtain an optimal result (according to some, even comparable to that obtained with professional whiteners) without any side effect. In any case, before resorting to the use of these kits, it is always a good idea to consult a specialist beforehand.
Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda is also used in DIY whitening products, as well as being added to industrially produced toothpastes.
The whitening activity of this product is exercised by removing stains from the teeth and making them brighter and shinier by means of an abrasive action.
Sodium bicarbonate, added to a few drops of lemon, should be applied to the teeth like a toothpaste (do-it-yourself natural remedy).
Excessive use of this product, however, can corrode the dental enamel, promote gingival bleeding, increase the sensitivity of the teeth and the risk of caries and pulpitis (due to alteration of the oral pH).
For more information: Sodium Bicarbonate for Teeth Whitening
Natural remedies
There are many natural remedies available to whiten your teeth. In addition to baking soda, the best known is certainly sage. To take advantage of the whitening effect of this whitening product, it is recommended to rub the fresh leaves directly on the teeth. By doing this, the teeth will be whiter and the breath fresher.
Other natural remedies used as teeth whiteners are malic acid, crushed strawberry pulp applied to the teeth, apples, celery, carrots, lemon and ash (for more information: Natural Teeth Whitening).
Note: Before proceeding with any type of dental whitening treatment (even natural), the opinion of the dentist is strongly recommended, in order to ascertain the absence of contraindications (caries, pathologies of the oral cavity or dental hypersensitivity).
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