Everyone could benefit from a nicer, more beautiful smile. And yet many of us don’t take the time required to practice proper dental hygiene.
In fact, the CDC released a report stating that over 47 percent of U.S. adults suffer from some sort of periodontal disease.
While brushing will certainly do wonders to keep your teeth healthy, it won’t erase certain stains. Unfortunately, tooth staining is pretty much unavoidable. Virtually everything you put in your mouth has an effect on your enamel, from coffee and soda to fruit.
For that, you’ll need something stronger: teeth whitening gel! You’ve likely heard all sorts of things about these gels, but what’s true and what’s false?
Here’s a quick rundown on everything you need to know when you use teeth whitening gel.
Yes, Whitening Gel Is Safe
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: safety. Whitening products are still new to the consumer market, popping up in the 1980s.
Immediately, there were all sorts of myths about whether or not they were safe. But rest assured, dentists will tell you that using a gel is entirely safe.
Most gels contain either peroxide or dentifrices, which is closer to what you’ll find in toothpaste.
Now, there are a few things to note about both types of cleaning agents. Peroxide-based gels are essentially bleaching agents. These get deep into the enamel to remove tough stains. In contrast, dentifrices-based products only eliminate surface stains.
You’ll need to determine which is best for your needs. However, both are entirely safe to use according to the American Dental Association.
No, Whitening Gel Doesn’t Hurt Your Enamel
As you read over that last section, you may have noticed something about the peroxide-based gels. Yes, they do in fact work deeper into the core of the tooth.
You may feel worried that using a whitening agent will harm your enamel and weaken your tooth. But there isn’t any evidence that says this is the case.
Scientists have studied the effects of whitening gel for decades, and there has yet to be a study suggesting that your enamel may be damaged after using a whitening agent (according to box guidelines, at least).
How Long Will Your Teeth Stay White?
Whitening agents are a bit of a mixed blessing. On one hand, they’ll undeniably give you White Smiles again. But those pearly whites will return to their natural color after a while.
Gels don’t offer the same long-lasting benefits that a professional cleaning does. It’s great for a quick fix, but after a few weeks don’t be surprised if you notice the results wearing off.
Of course, some of this will depend upon your diet. But even if you somehow manage to avoid teeth-staining foods, your bright smile may fade after a few weeks.
Final Thoughts On The Benefits Of Teeth Whitening
To wrap things up, let’s summarize.
There are two types of gels on the market, both of which should deliver great results. However, their methods are quite different. Regardless, using gels is entirely safe, even if they last for a few weeks.
Looking to get a better smile? Be sure to find a local dentist in your area with FindABusinessThat!