The appeal of whiter teeth has been around for almost as long as the human race has existed. 4,000 years ago, people in ancient Egypt would brush on a paste of ground pumice stone and wine vinegar using small frayed tree branches. Pretty much the same concept as the modern toothbrush and toothpaste. The Romans, however, had to deal with a little more unsanitary practice. They used urine to whiten their teeth as the ammonia in urine delivered the desired effect... something you won't find your local dentist recommending!
Up to this day, we are still obsessed with and are trying to come up with ways to whiten our teeth conveniently. According to an article on their website, the American Dental Associations Council on Scientific Affairs has monitored an increase of tooth whitening products over the years. But popular or not, we are often dogged by the same questions of its safety.
The first concern of most people would be: will whitening products strip away my teeths enamel? Most products approved by dental associations dont. Of course, every dentists concern is to make sure that your teeths health is not compromised by whitening product use. However, several dentists on DR. Mehmet Ozs healthcare sharing website, sharecare.com, have warned that there are several rogue products that have permeated the over-the-counter and internet market riding in on the popularity of teeth whitening that contain acids and may cause irreversible damage to your enamel with overtime use. Most teeth whitening products are made of hydrogen peroxide in carbamide peroxide and urea
This leads us to the second common misconception about teeth whitening: Faster is better. Sometimes, maybe. But never on teeth whitening. It would usually take a week or two for a products effect to be visible on your teeth. So stay away from anything that promises results under a week. Most likely, they would have far stronger ingredients or dosages. You should be concerned not only of the ingredients but the dosage as well.. Using too much product, no matter how safe, will always cause irritation and damage. So before picking up that 2nd strip and putting it inside your mouth, make sure that you check with your dentist and follow the directions set.
Another common misconception is that it will work the same way on everyone. What works for your friend may not work for you and your dentist would know that. The health and current conditions in your mouth is unique from everyone else. You may also have different or adverse reactions to certain chemicals.
Paracelsus, one of the most distinguished physicians in the Middle Ages has once said: All substances are poisons. There is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison and a remedy. That said, there is definitely nothing wrong with dental whitening. But always make sure to do it with supervision.
