One of the most popular ways to whiten your teeth is to use whitening strips. It is an accessible and budget-proof method to whiten your smile. But is it safe for your teeth? We’ll find out.
What are whitening strips?
Whitening strips that you can buy at the drugstore are plastic strips with a gel on them that is supposed to whiten your teeth. The gel contains substances such as hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide and glycerin. These ingredients work together to make the strip work effectively. You place the strips on your teeth, both above and below, and let them sit for a while. The strips are able to remove stains and discolorations on the surface of your teeth when you use the strips regularly. But they don’t work for all discolorations, for example if the stain is really in the tooth.
Are whitening strips bad for your teeth?
Whether the strips are really bad for your teeth depends on a number of things. The answer will therefore vary per person. For most people, using whitening strips is safe. They can be bad for your teeth if you don’t use them safely. So always use them as the packaging prescribes and do not leave them on longer than advised. Hydrogen peroxide can damage your tooth enamel if you use it incorrectly. Another thing to watch out for is that the strips you use contain chlorine dioxide. This ingredient can cause damage to your tooth enamel, which can cause more problems with your teeth in the long term.
Possible side effects of whitening strips
Even if you use the strips correctly, they can have side effects. One of the most common side effects is that it can make your teeth more sensitive. Sensitive teeth can be very annoying. For example, you may experience pain when drinking cold drinks or very hot things.
Do you still want to try it? Please take this into account
Would you like to try whitening your teeth at home? Then keep these things in mind:
- Do not brush your teeth immediately after using the strips, unless the packaging indicates that you should do so.
- Do not use the strips more often than the packaging indicates.
- Do not leave the strips on longer than the packaging advises. It will not whiten your teeth, it will only damage them.
- Do not use strips with chlorine dioxide or a percentage of hydrogen peroxide higher than 14%.
