Peroxide Power On Teeth Whitening Gel
You may see that your teeth whitening gel has peroxide as its active whitening agent. You may also notice that other teeth whiteners contained the same ingredient. What is peroxide exactly?
Peroxide is a compound that is the ingredient in most teeth whiteners. The discovery of peroxide as an effective teeth whitener is not just used on over-the-counter products but also on in-office teeth bleaching treatments. Years ago, peroxide was only use for cleaning dental tools and areas, also on hospitals. Until later, it was discovered to be a good teeth whitener.
Peroxides are classified into two when it comes teeth whitening ingredients. There is the carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is what most of those in-office teeth whiteners are made of.. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong substance, does those products that has range of more than 12% concentration is recommended only for in-office treatment uses.
The best teeth whitening products for a DIY treatment are those that are made of carbamide peroxide and contains fluoride. This is because most peroxide based products are not suitable for those who have sensitive teeth. It can cause more sensitivity. The fluoride will counteract the harsh power of the peroxide, making those fluoride-peroxide based products safe to use for any kinds of teeth.
The best percentage of carbamide peroxide to pick on tooth bleaching gel is the 16% strength. This level of concentration on teeth whitening gels and other products is approved by dental associations and is safe to use according to expert studies.
Side Effects Of Hydrogen Peroxide In Teeth Whitening Products
Most teeth whitening products contains peroxide, an active bleaching agent. Some people uses hydrogen peroxide alone as teeth whitening solution. Commonly, it is mixed with baking soda as teeth whitener. Dentist uses this chemical compound for their teeth bleaching sessions. They applied the peroxide on the patient’s teeth surface, then, with the use of a heating beam the compound will activate its whitening power.
Hydrogen peroxide is actually a harsh chemical compound, yet when diluted an effective teeth whitening agent. It is the active ingredient of those toothpaste, whitening gels, and dental trays. Some teeth brightening products contains carbamide peroxide, a chemical compound which happens to turn into hydrogen peroxide when it reach the mouth surface. This happens when carbamide peroxide mixed with our mouth’s saliva.
Hydrogen peroxide is chemical compound of combined oxygen and hydrogen. This is actually use to clean hospitals and clinics. Medical areas use this as disinfectant. It is also use to bleach tiles and papers. Years ago it was use to remove paints. FDA declared that teeth whitening products are actually safe to use even with the high presence of hydrogen peroxide on it. This is because these products were already combined with other chemicals that dilutes the peroxide. But does hydrogen peroxide really just give benefits as teeth whitener or it has some hidden agenda?
If you have sensitive tooth, then hydrogen peroxide may not be good for you. The high concentration of hydrogen peroxide can damage the tooth’s enamel, even the tissues on your mouth. When the enamel is worn out, the inner layer of your teeth will get exposed.
When using hydrogen peroxide as a direct teeth whitening treatment, make sure to use a low level hydrogen peroxide product. Avoid overusing. People tends to use hydrogen peroxide directly because it is way cheaper than a dentist treatment. You can buy a bottle of hydrogen peroxide for a low as one bucks while the common dentist teeth whitening treatment cost 200$.
Hydrogen peroxide based products can sometimes cause gum pains to its users. It can also make the teeth sensitive to hot and cold. In some cases, there were few reports of sore throats because of teeth whiteners that contains peroxide. This might be because they accidentally swallow the chemical when they has their treatment.
If you have ceramic , porcelain or gold teeth and other dental restoration material on your mouth, there is no need for you to worry. Peroxide will not be able to penetrate on the surface layer of these materials. But, it can effect on denser materials like dental amalgams or cements.
Generally speaking, peroxide is actually a great teeth whitener. If you doubt to use any teeth whitening products because you are afraid of the side effect of its peroxide content, then the best thing you should do is consult an expert. A dentist can give you the right regimen for your dental care needs. He will give you a specific teeth whitening product that suits best for your tooth’s condition.