Benefits and harms of teeth whitening
Teeth whitening treatments use peroxides. The peroxide partially penetrates the layers of teeth, removing compounds that cause discolouration. However, there are some safety issues related to tooth enamel that must be taken into consideration.
Most hydrogen peroxide compounds contain a concentration of 3%, and some are concerned that a higher concentration of peroxide may lead to more side effects, such as enamel breakdown and tooth sensitivity.
The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in available teeth whitening kits can reach 10%. Dentists may also offer whitening treatments at concentrations of up to 40%.
According to Health Day, these side effects do not occur often, however, the length of time these products spend on the teeth appears to be an important factor.
Studies presented by Medical News Today found that low-concentration gels have more negative effects on tooth enamel when they remain on the teeth for longer periods.
Higher concentration gels often require less time on the teeth to be effective, which may reduce the risk of enamel damage.
mouthwash
However, another study in the American Journal of Dentistry found that a commercial mouthwash containing only 1.5% hydrogen peroxide caused significant lightening of human tooth enamel after 4 weeks.
Dental rinse, which is available at a concentration of 3%, can be diluted using two tablespoons of it with half a cup of water.
In general, you should consult a dentist before teeth whitening, especially for those with sensitive teeth, or if there are gum problems.