Is teeth whitening safe at home? Hydrogen peroxide and activated charcoal. orange peel and bay leaf

Teeth whitening is the most popular procedure for those who want to have a beautiful smile. In order for the whitening procedure to be safe, several methods are used in dentistry. From our article you will find out what whitening options exist and to whom they are shown.

Which teeth whitening is the safest and most effective?

Most dental clinic patients ask the question: what is the safest teeth whitening? To date, there are several methods of brightening enamel, including oxygen bleaching. It is carried out at home without visiting the dental office. Oxygen bleaching contains carbamide peroxide. As a result of its combination, atomic oxygen is produced. It oxidizes those substances that give the dentition a yellow color. This method is effective, but, unfortunately, it cannot be called the safest. After such a procedure patients have a high threshold of sensitivity and irritation on the gum tissue.

Another option for similar whitening is the use of a special gel on the same basis. The effectiveness of this method is controversial, therefore, before purchasing a miracle remedy, it is better to consult a specialist. Another whitening option is laser, which has appeared relatively recently. This method in dentistry is called sparing..

Another effective way to whiten teeth is Air Flow. This method is quite often used in dental offices. The dentist uses water and a fine abrasive to clean the mouth. With the help of a special device water is supplied to the teeth, which the device thoroughly cleans, as well as the space between them. Dentists note that air flow does not whiten teeth, but only cleans food debris in the oral cavity. In the event that the patient has white enamel by nature, then air flow can be used to lighten it. It will be enough to clean the remnants of accumulated food under running water.

At home, this procedure is not carried out. But despite the popularity of this method, many consumers note that hypersensitivity occurs after the procedure. But in order to qualitatively lighten the teeth, photobleaching can help. During the procedure, the dentist uses a special gel onto which halogen light is directed. It reacts to the release of oxygen, thus brightening the enamel. The method has no contraindications.

How to ensure security?

It is safe to say that any teeth whitening can be considered safe if the dentist has taken precautions.

Any whitening procedure in dentistry is safe. During its implementation, doctors suggest to exclude any negative factors. But no one is immune from mistakes. The dentist may not notice the disease of the teeth, and then after the procedure, the sensitivity may increase.

Constant repetitions of this procedure do not lead to good results. Abuse of bleaching can be hazardous to human health. After a few sessions, the enamel will be depleted, and after five sessions, it will lose its natural strength.

Safe teeth whitening at home

Whiten teeth at home possibly without harm. But everything will depend on the cause of the color change and the current state of the human oral cavity. It is quite possible to deal with the problem on your own. After all, most likely, the change in the color of the enamel was due to the abuse of coffee, tea or smoking. In the event that the teeth have darkened due to the use of antibiotics, then professional whitening in dentistry will be required. It should be understood that at home it is possible to return the color of the enamel one or two tones lighter, but no more. But to restore the natural colors will need to go to the dentist.

First option that can whiten teeth at home are strips or mouth guards. They are overlays made of peroxide-coated polymers. The principle of their operation is quite simple. To do this, the gel with the agent is squeezed onto a brush and applied to the dentition. Such products allow you to achieve maximum effect at home. But security will depend on the following factors.

1. Inaccurate use of strips, mouth guards or pencils can get the brightening pigment on the gums and lead to bleeding and erosion.
2. The use of such funds is prohibited for patients who have sensitive enamel. It is difficult to assess her condition on her own. Therefore, it is not recommended to use the product without instructions from a doctor.

In the event that the patient follows all recommendations from the manufacturer. Then at home it will turn out to lighten the dentition by several tones.

The second option is to call the usual baking soda familiar to us. She is a wonderful abrasive. It allows you to cope with plaque from tea, coffee or cigarettes. To lighten, you need to mix baking soda with toothpaste and massage your teeth for several minutes. This procedure should be repeated no more than once a day. The method helps to restore the natural shade that you have lost due to the formation of plaque.

1. It is not recommended to use soda if you develop caries.
2. With increased sensitivity of the enamel, you should not further thin it in this way.
3. It is necessary to control the pressure on the brush during the massage, otherwise bleeding of the gums cannot be avoided.

Other types of safe whitening at home

Consider other options for safe whitening at home. The first is fruits, which can eliminate any plaque. For bleaching, you can use strawberries or banana peels..

Whitening with fruits is effective and cheap. But the result will be very different from that which can be obtained in dentistry. The first result will be noticeable after two weeks of this procedure. In addition, many believe that fruits can be the root cause for the formation of caries. Therefore, it is not recommended to be zealous with this method.

Another option for brightening teeth is peroxide. This tool is added to many professional gels that help eliminate pigmentation. At home, you can use a one to one ratio of water and peroxide. The solution should be wiped with areas of the pigment.

The latest teeth whitening option is charcoal. The tool raises a lot of doubts, but the reviews of the method are positive. Wood ash contains potassium hydroxide. It helps to effectively fight plaque from tea, coffee and cigarettes. But at the same time, you need to understand that charcoal is a harsh abrasive that can destroy the gums and develop hypersensitivity.

In order to lighten your teeth without harm, you will need to consult a dentist. Only he will help to assess the current state of the oral cavity, the causes of darkening and choose the best method for whitening the enamel. At the stage of diagnosis, the presence of diseases of the oral cavity may be detected. In this case, bleaching procedures postponed until the diseases are eliminated.

Contraindications for whitening

In the dental office, the doctor will be able to identify a number of contraindications for which it is not necessary to carry out the whitening procedure. At home, this is quite difficult to determine.. But any procedure has special instructions that should not be neglected. Do not bleach if you have any of the following symptoms.

To be at home to find out whether it is safe to whiten at home, it is worth determining the color of the enamel. To do this, you need to attach a piece of paper to your teeth and compare their color. In the event that it is determined that the enamel is gray, then it is worth looking for the cause of its appearance inside the tooth. If there is a yellow tint to the teeth, then you can whiten at home.

During pregnancy, it is not recommended to carry out the clarification procedure at home. This procedure does not cause much harm. But in some cases, against the background of hormonal disruptions, gingivitis can develop. Not recommended for pregnant women this procedure due to the fact that during this period there is sensitivity of the gums. If aggressive substances enter, the condition of the gums will worsen.

Quite often, during pregnancy and the lactation period, a decrease in calcium levels can be observed in a woman's body. Therefore, the enamel will soften and can wear off quickly. The patient must be sure to brush their teeth and maintain their natural whiteness. But for a good cleaning, it is enough to purchase a quality toothbrush. In the event that you regularly carry out the procedure for cleaning the oral cavity, then you will not need to whiten your teeth.

Even in the absence of the above indications before how to carry out teeth whitening at home, it is recommended to visit a doctor. Only a specialist will be able to determine the actual absence of contraindications and assess the real state of the oral cavity. Then you can try for yourself the safest way to whiten your teeth both at the dentist and at home.

It's no secret that teeth whitening is optional. This procedure belongs exclusively to the category, but most people attach great importance to their smile. Dentists warn that the passion for such procedures is harmful to the enamel, as it becomes thinner after exposure to chemicals or abrasives.

In this article, we will try to figure out whether there is safe teeth whitening, and which method is most preferable without harming the enamel. We will also answer questions about whether it hurts to whiten teeth and whether it is possible to think about whitening tooth enamel for pregnant women.

Oxygen bleaching

The most common whitening is based on the action of peroxide compounds. In this case, only substances that “settle” on the surface of the teeth after excessive consumption of coffee, strong tea, red wine or as a result of smoking are included in the reaction. Most often, carbamide peroxide is used, from which hydrogen peroxide is formed as a result of a chemical reaction. In a further chain of transformations, atomic oxygen is released from it, which oxidizes substances that give a specific yellowish tint to the enamel.

Is oxygen whitening harmful? This method is quite effective, but it cannot be called harmless. After the procedure, you will definitely notice increased sensitivity of the teeth and irritation of the gums. There are quite mild analogues of the professional procedure in the form of a variety of gels for home use. But even in this case, there are contraindications to teeth whitening, so you should definitely consult a doctor before using them.

Laser whitening

Relatively recently, a new service has appeared in dentistry - laser teeth whitening. Is laser teeth whitening harmful? All dentists will unanimously answer you that laser whitening is less harmful than any other kind. Therefore, if you are looking for the safest teeth whitening options, pay attention to laser procedures.

This procedure is based on the action of the gel, which is activated by directing a beam of light at it. The impact is quite gentle, so such common contraindications as thin enamel and its fragility do not work here. Depending on the original color of the teeth, the type of laser and the duration of exposure may vary.

After bleaching, another gel is applied, which helps to restore the enamel. It reduces the sensitivity of the teeth and to some extent even strengthens them. Patients claim that nothing will hurt during the procedure, but they note slight discomfort from the heating of the teeth. Many experts believe that using a laser is one of the best ways to whiten your teeth safely and get great results.

Air flow method

This is the now popular method of professional teeth cleaning, which many people mistake for whitening. In fact, due to deep and high-quality cleaning, the natural color of the enamel only returns. But if you have naturally white teeth, then this may be enough.

For cleaning, a mixture of water and the smallest abrasive is used, which are supplied under pressure from a sandblaster. Due to this, all impurities are removed: tartar, plaque from the interdental spaces. Air Flow teeth cleaning is carried out very quickly and does not leave any unpleasant sensations, except for the increased sensitivity of the teeth and gums, which passes quickly enough.

Photobleaching

As an alternative to the methods described in dentistry, you may be offered photobleaching. A special preparation is applied to the enamel, and halogen light is directed at it. The reaction starts, and oxygen is released from the composition, which easily copes with dark spots and brightens the tooth enamel of patients.

The peculiarity of the method is that contraindications are minimized. It can be used with increased sensitivity of the teeth, in the presence of cracks and chips, loose fillings. As a result, the teeth do not hurt after whitening, the sensitivity of the teeth does not increase, so the procedure can be put almost on the same level as the laser exposure.

Whitening folk remedies

When answering the question of which teeth whitening is the safest, many people will tell you that it is best to use natural remedies and folk recipes. Some sincerely believe that home methods are much safer, but this is an erroneous opinion.!

As a rule, all substances that are used to restore a snow-white smile are quite aggressive. Citric acid, activated carbon, hydrogen peroxide, soda - all this leads to a gradual thinning of the enamel, after which various problems with the teeth inevitably arise. Incorrect teeth whitening can be harmful, especially when it comes to self-use of folk recipes.

The conclusion is simple: whitening is still best done in dentistry. An in-office procedure done by a specialist is much safer than any home method. Moreover, the dentist will conduct a preliminary examination and tell you if there are any contraindications and problems with your teeth for you.

Whitening during pregnancy

Whichever safe or gentle method you choose, teeth whitening during pregnancy is highly undesirable. There will be no particular harm to the mother and the unborn baby, but there are a lot of little things that, in general, make this procedure not the most successful solution.

If you ask your doctor if it is possible to whiten a woman's teeth during pregnancy, the answer may be yes, but with some reservations. Due to a sharp change in hormonal levels, expectant mothers very often develop gingivitis. This is a disease in which the gums become loose, swollen and very sensitive.

If aggressive substances get in, the situation can only worsen. Often there is a lack of calcium, which leads to softening of the enamel and its active erasure. Therefore, bleaching during pregnancy is best avoided. In any case, before whitening your teeth, be sure to consult a doctor; in no case do not use homemade recipes without agreement.

In this article, we have described the most popular ones and tried to figure out which one is the safest. In conclusion, we bring to your attention a video in which the dentist will tell you about another harmless way. It is this technique that many professionals consider the safest in modern dentistry, which will help everyone to whiten their teeth without harm.

A snow-white smile can charm any person. And in order to remove plaque and stones, to return the teeth to their former snow-white shine, it is not at all necessary to make an appointment with the dentist. You can whiten your teeth at home without harm - the effect will certainly please! You do not have to spend a lot of effort, time and money. Almost all the ingredients are already in the kitchen. It remains only to choose the right recipe and take a little time for your own beauty.

Habitual means for a snow-white smile

Smoking, drinking coffee, tea, poor-quality cleaning of the oral cavity eventually lead to yellowing of the teeth. Are you wondering how to safely whiten your teeth at home? Everything is very simple!

1. Purchase a quality toothbrush and dental floss. It is this tandem that will gradually help remove plaque and restore the natural shade.
2. Buy abrasive toothpaste. It contains enzymatic and polishing substances that not only remove plaque from the teeth, but also penetrate the enamel, dissolving stubborn stains.
3. Use conditioners. Hydrogen peroxide, which is part of these products, helps to whiten the enamel by 2 tones.
4. Occasionally use a whitening tooth powder. The key word is sometimes. The powder is an aggressive agent that should not be used daily. It is advisable to use it in emergency cases when a quick result is needed.

With unreasonably long contact with industrial bleaches, along with snow-white beauty, you will get an increase in the sensitivity of the enamel. The optimal duration of one course is two weeks (use the paste and rinse at the same time). Then purchase a fluoride toothpaste and fix the result.

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Folk remedies for teeth whitening

If you are wondering how to safely whiten your teeth at home, try using proven folk remedies. Just be careful: not all proposed methods are completely safe. Evaluate the result and side effects - and make an informed decision.

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When can you whiten your teeth at home?

Before you start bleaching, do a simple test. Brush your teeth, run your tongue over the enamel. If you feel rough, a toothbrush is not enough for you. It is necessary to clean the enamel from plaque by more effective means.

Hold white paper to your mouth. If your teeth look yellow against its background, you can whiten them yourself. If they have a grayish tint, you should consult a doctor. This suggests that a plaque has formed from the inside. In this case, you will not be able to solve the problem on your own.

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The safest whitening products

These recipes will tell you how to safely whiten your teeth without damaging the enamel.

1. Tea tree oil. Apply a small amount after each brushing session using a toothbrush. You should not press or rub. You just need to lightly massage. This oil has a bleaching and bactericidal effect.
2. Lemon peel. Before going to bed, rub your teeth with fresh lemon zest for 10 days in a row. It contains oil and fruit acid, which act on the enamel very gently.

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Aggressive whitening methods

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Who should not self-medicate

Even the most gentle teeth whitening at home is not without harm and has contraindications. You should not resort to this procedure for the following people:

• pregnant women;
• people with increased tooth sensitivity;
• those who have caries;
• while wearing the bracket system and immediately after its removal;
• in the presence of diseases of the oral mucosa.

Remember, with self-whitening, there is almost always an increase in sensitivity. With the constant use of aggressive components, the enamel can become so thin that the process is irreversible. Against this background, demineralization can occur (white spots appear, in the place of which caries occurs). Therefore, do not overdo it: it is better to have not snow-white, but healthy teeth.

If you experience tooth sensitivity during whitening, you should immediately stop the procedure. Painful sensations indicate a violation of the enamel - you should not destroy it even more. It is better to visit a dentist and use a safer method of whitening.

28.03.2016

The whitening procedure is a way to clean the surface of the enamel from plaque, brighten teeth and remove pigmentation from tissues. There are quite a number of ways in which you can whiten your teeth. Internet forums and "healers" of various stripes advise home whitening. Clinics also recommend contacting a dentist. Note that brightening the surface in the dental office has a lot of advantages. The main one is that your teeth will remain intact and healthy. What kind of whitening method to choose? What is offered in dentistry now?

The main methods of harmless whitening:

• mechanical;
• With the use of ultrasound;
• laser;
• Oxygen;
• With the help of a mouthguard or gel;
• Folk means.

Below we will consider each of the methods and describe their advantages and disadvantages.

Mechanical bleaching

The most common method used in most dental clinics. The principle of its operation is that a sand-salt solution is supplied under pressure through a special sprayer to the tooth. Small particles of the mixture “beat off” plaque, stone and contaminating pigments from the surface.

Photo: Mechanical bleaching "AIR-FLOW"

Advantages:

• Low cost;
• Versatility;
• The speed of the procedure.

Flaws:

• The enamel is damaged;
• Temporarily increases sensitivity.

The main disadvantage of the procedure is that after it the teeth are sensitive to temperature changes for some time. After cleaning, you need to limit the consumption of food with dyes: juices, wine, coffee.

Ultrasonic cleaning of dental deposits

The principle of this procedure is very similar to mechanical bleaching. Under the influence of ultrasound, the external plaque is destroyed, the stone is removed. The advantage of this method is that ultrasound does not affect the patient's condition in any way, in contrast to spraying a solution of sand with salt. After cleaning, they are polished and covered with a special fixing gel. Fluoride therapy is almost always performed to further strengthen the enamel.

On a note! All dentists unanimously recommend mechanical whitening once every six months. Thus, the stone will be removed in a timely manner, and surface plaque, which can cause caries, will be destroyed. Regular whitening will allow you to always be healthy and look dazzling.

Laser whitening

The most modern and safe method of teeth whitening. The only drawback of the procedure is its high cost. But the effect is visible immediately and will last for a long time. The cleaning process itself takes place in several stages:

1. A protective gel is applied to the gums. Coated with active ingredient.
2. Illuminated teeth with a laser. At the same time, the active particles in the gel penetrate the cells and safely bring the pigments out. This method can achieve lightening by more than 2 tones.
3. After the procedure, they are covered with a special mineralizing gel. This tool penetrates into the cells of the enamel and strengthens it from the inside.

Photo:

There are no side effects after the laser whitening procedure. It is important that the laser can remove pigments that are deep in the tooth. That is, bleaching occurs in all layers of the fabric, and not just on the surface.

Oxygen bleaching

One of the most traditional whitening methods. The most common remedy is carbamide peroxide, a safer and gentler version of hydrogen peroxide. After all chemical processes, oxygen atoms are formed, which penetrate the cells and oxidize all substances that affect the color. It is best to treat teeth whose color has changed due to the use of tea, coffee, red wine, due to smoking.

Important! During bleaching, an overreaction may occur and the surface will become very bright. If fillings are in place, the color will be different, creating a rather ugly contrast.

Whitening with mouth guard and gel

Photo: Whitening with Kappa

Very cheap and affordable methods of slow whitening:

• Kappa - used by those who are afraid to go to the dentist. A gel is applied inside, and the kappa is put on the teeth at night. The imperceptible and gentle whitening effect lasts for quite a long time. The effect of using a mouth guard may appear after a month. If you have nowhere to hurry and there is a fear of the doctor, this method is best suited.
• Gel - applied with a special brush to the surface. The effect of such "colgate whitening" can appear in 15-20 days. The advantage of this method is that whitening is carried out at home, and has a lasting effect.

Teeth whitening methods in dentistry - folk remedies!

Dentists strongly discourage the use of any abrasive and chemically active mixtures for whitening. This is soda, activated carbon, hydrogen peroxide. They, of course, allow you to achieve some whitening effect. But they have very serious drawbacks:

• Soda and activated carbon destroy and scratch the surface. This creates foci of possible infection with caries and other dangerous diseases.
• Hydrogen peroxide corrodes enamel, reduces its thickness, which affects strength.

Photo: Whitening with baking soda and activated charcoal

Products based on herbal tinctures, green tea or lemon are certainly effective. But by themselves, they require a very long period of time for the whitening effect to appear. Almost all dentists advise such procedures to be carried out at home after cleaning in the clinic.

Whitening pastes

A rather controversial method of bleaching. Inexpensive brands that are widely distributed in stores can only remove the top plaque. There are so few active substances there that they practically do not have any tangible effect. More expensive pastes should be used a maximum of twice a week. In such products, the concentration of the active substance is greater and it has a noticeable effect on the structure of the enamel, on pigmentation.

In the photo, a paste with a whitening effect

Before you start whitening, be sure to consult your dentist. Whatever method you choose, it is much better to go through all the procedures under the supervision of a specialist than to harm your health. A snow-white smile is easy, you just need to follow the doctor's recommendations and take care of your teeth.

Anastasia Vorontsova

Any person feels confident if his smile is snow-white and beautiful.

But what about those who, due to some circumstances, have to hide their teeth from others?

And not everyone can afford professional teeth whitening.

You can, of course, whiten your teeth at home, but how do you know which whitening is the safest?

When should you not whiten your teeth?

Not all people can afford to make their smile flawless, and this is due to the fact that this procedure is contraindicated for one group of patients, while for others it will be ineffective.

Do not bleach in the following cases:

• In the presence of increased sensitivity of the teeth.
• If there are fillings or crowns on the front teeth. As a result of bleaching, restorations will be darker than natural teeth.
• In the presence of a gray or brown shade of enamel. These teeth are difficult to whiten.

Is there a safe way to lighten?

Dental clinics offer many types of whitening procedures.

Moreover, you can change the color of your teeth by a couple of shades or give them a completely white color.

Everything depends not only on the desire of the patient, but also on financial possibilities.

In addition, do not forget that after such a procedure, the manifestation of negative consequences is possible.

According to dentists, not all methods are aggressive, which means that there are safe technologies.

Laser application

In recent years, laser teeth whitening has been increasingly used in dentistry..

This is one of the fastest ways to lighten enamel, in which the risk of damaging it is minimized.

Most dental offices offer modern methods that exclude damage to tooth enamel after a laser whitening procedure.

For example, before whitening is performed, the dentist applies a special gel to the tooth enamel, which contains hydrogen peroxide.

• Under the influence of a laser beam, the gel becomes active, and the released oxygen brightens the enamel.
• The duration of the procedure directly depends on what effect you want to achieve as a result of the procedure.

Laser teeth whitening is carried out in several stages:

• Not more than a week before the scheduled procedure, the doctor will prescribe a hygienic cleaning of the oral cavity.
• At the beginning of the procedure, the dentist applies a protective agent to the gums to prevent burning of the mucous membrane.
• Protective goggles are put on the patient's eyes.
• A whitening gel is applied to the front surface of the teeth, which will whiten the teeth under the influence of a laser beam.

Zoom system

This method, according to dentists, is also safe.

• The procedure is carried out in several stages, similar to laser whitening.
• Activation of the whitening gel is carried out using ultraviolet light.
• The system provides for the treatment of enamel with amorphous calcium phosphate

Teeth whitening at home

It will be almost impossible to get the same result as with in-office whitening.

But with home clarification, the undoubted advantage is that with some methods the aggressive effect on the enamel will be insignificant.

There are many ways to whiten your teeth yourself, but you need to remember that many of them can have a damaging effect on the enamel.

Among the home remedies for safely whitening teeth are the following:

• The use of whitening toothpaste, which can be used no more than one month a year. But the paste, at best, can only remove plaque.
• Teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide. The whitening effect of 3% peroxide is negligible, but safe enough. You can use it on your own, using a cotton swab for this, or after brushing your teeth, rinse your mouth with a solution prepared from the calculation: 20 drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide dissolved in 50 ml of water.
• Activated charcoal can also be used to lighten tooth enamel. Tablets should be crushed into powder and brushed with a toothbrush. Its use is also safe for teeth.
• The use of tea tree oil is one of the safest methods for whitening teeth. Tea tree oil has advantages: it does not injure the gums, does not destroy enamel, refreshes the oral cavity, and has a bactericidal effect. To be used after brushing your teeth: put a few drops on your toothbrush and brush your teeth again. It can also be used as a rinse by dissolving a few drops of the oil in warm water.
• Teeth whitening with strawberries. The berry is crushed into a puree and applied to the surface of the teeth, like toothpaste.
• The use of herbs. There are herbs that not only whiten teeth wonderfully, but also have a healing effect on the oral cavity. These herbs are sage and basil. Plants are ground into powder and used for brushing teeth.

Home whitening products that can cause damage not only to enamel, but also to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity:

• The use of soda. The method is quite fast and effective, but soda must be used with great care.
• Teeth whitening with lemon. Gives a good whitening effect, but can have a harmful effect on the enamel.
• Using salt to whiten teeth. Salt is a strong abrasive, so it can scratch the enamel and lead to its thinning and destruction.

As a result of the uncontrolled use of these products, the enamel of the teeth becomes thinner, and they become susceptible to hot and cold. These processes are irreversible.

Video: "Cheap and cheerful: A real smile"