Teeth whitening products are available in many forms including gels, pastes, liquids, tablets, strips, and powders. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks. Some types are best suited for certain situations while others are ideal for specific needs. Here are some tips to help you decide which product is right for you.
These gel-based products contain hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and carbamide peroxide (CP). H2O2 breaks down into water and oxygen during application. CP oxidises organic material within the enamel layer of the teeth. Both these ingredients are effective at removing discolouration caused by coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, and tetracycline antibiotics. However, gel-type products require frequent applications due to low penetration rates. In addition, gel-formulated products leave behind sticky residue that can be difficult to remove. Gel-based products are suitable for daily use because they last long enough to get rid of most stains. However, they cannot be used overnight since they must be reapplied several times throughout the night.
Pastes are typically applied once or twice a week. Paste formulations include trays containing bleaching agents, abrasives, and polishing compounds. Trays are designed to fit around the entire crown of each tooth. Pastes are easy to apply and remove, however, they lack the ability to penetrate deep into the tooth structure. As a result, paste formulas only lighten superficial staining. Because of this, paste-based products are recommended for occasional use. They are especially useful for those who wish to brighten stained areas of the mouth.
Liquids are generally safe for everyday use. They are convenient to apply and remove, making them popular among busy individuals. Liquid formulations contain higher concentrations of active ingredients compared to pastes and gels. Therefore, liquid products are able to effectively treat deeper stains. Although liquid products are effective at treating stains, they are not appropriate for daily use. Instead, they are best reserved for special occasions or emergency situations.
Tablets are small, round shaped pills that dissolve quickly upon contact with saliva. Tablets are highly concentrated and therefore, they are very effective at removing stains. However, tablet formulae are not recommended for daily use. They are best used for emergencies or special events.
Teeth whitening products are available in many forms including gels, pastes, liquids, sprays, tablets, strips, etc. There are several different types of teeth whitening products available today. Some are designed specifically for professional dental offices while others are intended for consumers who wish to whiten their own teeth at home. Regardless of which type of product you decide to use, there are certain factors that must be considered prior to making a purchase. Here are three important questions to ask yourself before choosing a teeth whitening product.
Most teeth whitening products claim to give results within days. However, most of these claims are based upon laboratory testing rather than actual clinical trials. In fact, studies show that only 10% of individuals see significant improvement in their smile after using a teeth whitening gel for two weeks. Most of the remaining 90% report no change whatsoever. Therefore, if you expect to see dramatic changes in your smile after using a teeth whitening product for a short period of time, you may be disappointed. Instead, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars on a product that gives little or no benefit.
Many teeth whitening products contain potentially dangerous chemicals. For example, hydrogen peroxide is known to cause burns and irritation to the mouth. Other common ingredients include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and alcohol. Although these ingredients are generally harmless, they can still cause problems if ingested or inhaled. As a result, it is always best to avoid ingesting or breathing in these substances. Even worse, some of these ingredients can stain clothing and furniture. So, if you plan to share your bathroom with anyone else, make sure you test the safety of your chosen product before using it.
Some teeth whitening products contain ingredients that are proven to be toxic. For instance, triclosan has been linked to cancerous tumors in rats. Additionally, parabens have been shown to disrupt hormone levels in animals. Finally, artificial sweeteners have been found to increase obesity rates among children.
Teeth whitening products are available in many forms including gels, pastes, liquids, tablets, strips, and powders. Each form has its own advantages and disadvantages. In general, gel-based products are easy to apply and remove while paste-based products require mixing prior to application. Liquid based products are generally safe and effective, however, they must be applied frequently due to low shelf life. Tablets and strips are convenient because they can be worn during the day and removed at night. However, these types of products can stain clothing and furniture. Powders are considered the safest option since there is no risk of staining anything. There are several different kinds of teeth whitening powders available today. Some contain only active ingredients while others include additional inactive ingredients such as binders, fillers, and preservatives. Here are some features to look for when choosing a teeth whitening powder.
The most important thing to look for when selecting a teeth whitening product is the amount of active ingredient present. Active ingredients are those that actually cause the change in color. Most teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide which is the main active ingredient responsible for bleaching teeth. Other common active ingredients found in teeth whitening products include carbamide peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, and tricalcium phosphate. All of these ingredients are capable of removing discoloration from teeth. Make sure the product contains enough active ingredients to achieve the desired results. Products containing high levels of active ingredients are typically more costly. But, the higher price tag does not necessarily translate into superior performance. Be wary of cheap brands that claim to be "whitening" products. Many inexpensive brands contain very little active ingredients and therefore cannot produce the same level of whiteness as pricier brands.
Another factor to consider when purchasing a teeth whitening product is the shelf life. Shelf life refers to the length of time the product remains stable once opened. While most manufacturers list the expiration date on the label, it is best to check the actual expiration date. Manufacturers sometimes alter the expiration dates to extend the shelf life. Therefore, it is always wise to read the expiration date closely. Once expired, the product loses potency and effectiveness. Expiration dates vary depending on the type of product. Gel-based products have a shorter shelf life compared to liquid or tablet-based products. Generally speaking, gel-based products have a shelf life of three months while liquid and tablet-based products have a shelf life of six months. Check the expiration date carefully before making a purchase.
These gel-based toothpastes contain hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down plaque and removes stains. Gel toothpaste is easy to apply and remove, and does not require rinsing afterwards. However, these toothpastes are very sticky and leave behind a white film on your teeth. Some users report that the paste leaves their mouth feeling dry and uncomfortable.
This type of toothpaste contains abrasives that scrub away stains and polish your teeth. Paste toothpastes are generally thicker than gel toothpastes and therefore harder to rinse out. Although paste toothpastes are effective, they can be difficult to get into small spaces between your teeth. Because of this, they are not recommended for children.
Liquid toothpastes are typically thinner than paste toothpastes and therefore easier to apply. Liquid toothpastes are ideal for those who dislike the texture of paste toothpastes. However, liquid toothpastes are not as effective as paste toothpastes because they lack the abrasive power needed to effectively remove stains. Therefore, they are only suitable for light staining.
The spray form of toothpaste is convenient because it requires no brushing. Spray toothpastes are designed to coat your entire mouth and are most commonly found in travel kits. Sprayed toothpastes are quick and easy to use, however, they are not as effective as paste toothpastes. In addition, they cannot reach areas where there is little saliva flow (such as around the gum line).
Toothpastes containing tablet technology dissolve quickly and evenly throughout your mouth. Tablet toothpastes are ideal for sensitive teeth because they are gentle on your gums. Tablets are also useful for those who suffer from bad breath because they eliminate odour causing bacteria.
Strips are thin pieces of material that adhere to your teeth. Strips are ideal for removing stubborn stains and polishing your teeth.