More than 15% of the entire population have undergone professional teeth whitening procedures as of 2019. Teeth whitening seems to be the most sought-after cosmetic procedure, especially with young Americans aged between 18-50 years according to a survey published in What’s Cooking America. Billions of dollars are spent on teeth whitening, not just for the professional cleaning typically done at the dentist’s clinic, but also for over-the-counter products. Remember, this is not a medical procedure, it is only a cosmetic one that aims to make your teeth appear brighter.

There are many different ways to whiten your teeth. The first is a professional treatment performed at the dentist’s clinic. Here a concentrated (35%) peroxide solution is ordinarily used to whiten teeth. And can you believe your teeth can become whiter by more than 12 shades? Ensure you choose to make it a natural white, and not blinding white which will rather stand out oddly. The whiteness of your teeth should match the white in your eyes. The second option is the use of tray and gel whitening treatments. These use less than 15% concentrate of peroxide, and your teeth become whiter by at least eight shades. The third option is over-the-counter teeth whitening products like whitening strips, pens, and toothpaste that contain a lesser percentage of peroxide. With these, your teeth can become whiter by two shades. This is the simplest and least time-consuming process of teeth whitening that can be done in the comfort of your home. However, be aware that there are quite a few drawbacks to using teeth whitening products.

• Bleaching your natural teeth is possible. But indelible stains on your teeth, synthetic caps, fillings, crowns, and other kinds of bonding will not change color. If you have too many of these on your teeth, they might stand out in an odd color after a whitening treatment.
• The peroxide in teeth whitening products can irritate, cause inflammation, or significant damage when it comes in direct contact with your gums, especially if you already have gum disease.
• If you have decayed teeth, ulcers, or abscess in your mouth, the teeth whitening gel can penetrate these and cause pain, and in worst cases, cause severe infection.
• Infection from the mouth can travel via the oral mucosa to the digestive tract when swallowed and cause other diseases.
• Over-the-counter teeth whitening trays or strips can either be too small or too big for your teeth. If they are small, they won’t fit, or be too tight and this can cause pain. If they are big, they can bother your gums.
• Sometimes teeth whitening pens, gels, or toothpaste might not produce the desired results, and you might have to use them frequently; frequent touch-ups might be required. This can result in both a waste of time and money. On the other hand, due to over-bleaching, your teeth can start to acquire a bluish tinge too.

Hence, it is best to consult a professional dentist who can assess your natural set of pearlies, listen to your reasons for wanting to whiten them, and then advise the right teeth whitening products that are most suitable for you.