Using peroxide as a teeth whitener is considered safe according to the American Dental Association (ADA), but that doesn’t mean it is for everyone. Increased teeth sensitivity and gum irritation are common side effects from using peroxide-based whiteners — plus some people simply don’t like the taste or smell of peroxide. This has left many people searching for more natural options to obtain a whiter, brighter smile.
Yes, You Can Whiten Teeth Without Peroxide
There are several ways you can make your teeth whiter and your smile brighter without using either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. It is important, however, to follow ADA recommendations for visiting your dentist regularly. You’ll want to ask them to make sure you don’t have issues that might make teeth whitening problematic, like gum disease, cavities or other issues.
- Prevention first
It might seem cliche to say that prevention is your first line of defense against stained teeth, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true. By reducing your exposure to things that stain your teeth, like your daily cup of coffee, you reduce the need to whiten your teeth in the first place
So while avoiding things that stain your teeth is a good place to start, it might not always be possible. After all, who wants to give up their coffee or tea? You can mitigate the effects of food and beverages that stain by using brightening mouthwash. Rinse every time you eat and drink, and don't forget to brush twice a day with whitening, fluoride-based toothpaste.
- Use baking soda
The ADA says that toothpaste formulas with baking soda in them are actually more effective at whitening teeth. That means the box of baking soda in your pantry can go a long way toward keeping your teeth whiter if you use it regularly.
You probably know, however, that baking soda doesn’t taste very good by itself, especially when compared to commercial versions. And when it comes to using something regularly, taste really does matter. You are more likely to be consistent if the experience is pleasant, especially if you are trying to get the whole family to make the switch.
- Mineral-based toothpastes
Dentifices, a term used to describe a paste or powder used to clean teeth, come in many variations, including mineral-based options. Some higher end companies even offer toothpaste and teeth whitening gels that protect and help remineralize tooth enamel, all without using peroxide. Oftentimes these products use natural mineral crystals and whitening agents to safely lift stains off of teeth.
Teeth-whitening gels can effectively lighten teeth up to 10 shades lighter if they are used regularly. To use them, you generally brush them directly onto your teeth, leave them for several minutes and then rinse them off.
Cons of Peroxide for Teeth Whitening
Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are safe, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to use them to whiten their teeth. Many consumers are looking for alternative, peroxide-free oral care products to achieve a brighter smile. Sometimes it's simply a matter of lifestyle and choice, but there are some side-effects that have people looking for natural substitutes, most notably the relationship between using peroxide and increased gum irritation and teeth sensitivity.
Increased Teeth Sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity, even if it is temporary, is not fun to deal with, but it is a common reaction for people who use peroxide-based teeth whitening products. Not every product with peroxide has this effect, but those with higher concentrations commonly do. For instance, there are some teeth-whitening trays that you wear for hours in order to more dramatically whiten your teeth. These tend to have high peroxide concentrations and can create sensitivity issues. In fact, the ADA says that up to 75% of people that use this type of teeth whitening products end up with more sensitive teeth when they start using them.
Gum Irritation
Gingivitis refers to irritation of the gums or the “gingiva.” Essentially, any change away from healthy gums, like inflammation, swelling, redness and tenderness, is considered gingival irritation, regardless of the source.
While peroxide-based oral care products are common, they are actually problematic for many people because they cause gum irritation.
Watchout for Untested Teeth Whiteners
A quick Google search is sure to yield a lot of options for natural teeth whitening. You will certainly see baking soda as a tried and true option, but not everything you find is safe and effective. Some of these untested and unproven tactics include oil pulling, apple cider vinegar, activated charcoal and using fruit slices. Not only is there no real evidence to support their effectiveness, some of them might actually deteriorate your teeth enamel!
At the end of the day, your best bet to whiten your teeth are the three steps outlined here: stay away from foods and drinks that stain, use baking soda toothpaste and opt for a mineral-based formulation for teeth whitening. If all else fails, the safest option is always to visit this dentist in cleveland so you'll get expert insight.
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