For more than a decade, the development and the increasing numbers of whitening oral hygiene products has increased and shows no sign of leaving supermarket shelves any time soon. But what’s the difference and which products are best for you?

"Whitening" is any process that will make teeth appear whiter. Technically bleaching falls under this broad category, but by contrast, non-bleaching whitening products contain agents that work by physical or chemical action to help remove surface stains only. Whitening products may be administered or dispensed by dentists or purchased over-the-counter at most drug stores and supermarkets and can be categorized into two major groups: Peroxide-containing whiteners or bleaching agents; and whitening toothpastes.

“Bleaching” is the process of applying a product can bleach the tooth, which means that it actually changes the natural tooth color. Bleaching products contain peroxide(s) that help remove deep and surface stains.

Which Is Right For You? Over The Counter or Professionally Applied

The products available over the counter are peroxide-containing whiteners or bleaching agents. All of the products in this category that bear the ADA Seal of Acceptance contain 10 percent carbamide peroxide. In a water-based solution, carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, with hydrogen peroxide being the active bleaching agent. Studies continue to show that neutral pH 10 percent carbamide peroxide products are both safe and effective for most. The most commonly observed side effects to hydrogen or carbamide peroxide are tooth sensitivity and occasional irritation of the gums. Tooth sensitivity often occurs during early stages of bleaching treatment. Gum irritation, in most cases, results from a poor-fitting tray rather than the tooth-bleaching agents used. Both sensitivity and gum irritation are usually temporary and stop after the treatment. Over the counter products are intended for use over a two to four week period.

Whitening toothpastes are another option in your over the counter whitening choices. Whitening toothpastes contain polishing or chemical agents to improve tooth appearance by removing surface stains through gentle polishing, chemical chelation, or some other non-bleaching action. Be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Professionally Applied Bleach Whiteners
There are many professionally applied tooth whitening bleach products. These products use hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from 15 percent to 35 percent and are sometimes used together with a light or laser, which reportedly accelerates the whitening process. Prior to application of professional products, gum tissues are isolated either with a rubber dam or a protective gel. Professionally applied whiteners are usually completed in about one hour.

Professionally applied whiteners that have the ADA Seal of Approval contain 35 percent hydrogen peroxide, although this concentration is not a requirement of the program. As with the 10 percent over the counter products, the most commonly observed side effects of professionally applied hydrogen peroxide products are temporary tooth sensitivity and occasional irritation of the gums. On rare occasions, irreversible tooth damage has been reported.

If you are considering using any teeth whitening products, consult your dentist to determine the most appropriate treatment. This is especially important for patients with many fillings, crowns, and extremely dark stains. A thorough oral examination, performed by a licensed dentist, is essential to determine if bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment.

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