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Teeth Whitening Options – Will Hydrogen Peroxide Damage My Teeth?

Dustin Cutlack (2019-07-12)

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So you’re considering teeth whitening options? With so many types of teeth whitening procedures, it can be difficult to know what’s right for you. With this in mind, it’s always best to do some research before making a decision.

One of the main ingredients in most teeth whitening treatments is hydrogen peroxide. You might recognise this from your medicine cabinet at home. Hydrogen peroxide has many uses ranging from cleaning up cuts and scrapes to lightening hair and whitening teeth. But more importantly, what exactly is it and can it cause damage to your teeth?

Hydrogen peroxide for dental purposes
The type of hydrogen peroxide which you can buy from your local store is a clear liquid chemical compound. It’s mostly made up of water with a few extra molecules of oxygen thrown in for good measure. Some people use it to rinse their mouths before brushing as it helps to kill off bacteria, providing protection against the germs that can cause gum and teeth disease. It also keeps the breath fresh and over time may gradually lighten the teeth.

Did you know that hydrogen peroxide was used by dentists to treat gum disease back in the
early 20th century although nowadays dentists mostly use it to assist with teeth whitening?

Why hydrogen peroxide?
teeth whitening options Hydrogen peroxide is widely used in teeth whitening treatments because it has the ability to penetrate deeply into the tooth enamel even reaching stains contained in the inner layer of dentin. Dental prepared kits can contain a hydrogen peroxide formulation of as much as 35% while over-the-counter products which anyone can buy, such as toothpaste, rinses, and whitening strips, are typically 6% or lower.

Risks of teeth whitening with hydrogen peroxide
Some people may experience stinging sensations to their teeth and gums when whitening their teeth at home with hydrogen peroxide but this applies to all types of teeth whitening options containing hydrogen peroxide. It’s not uncommon for your teeth to become more sensitive to temperature and touch but usually, any discomfort will disappear within a few days.

You could be at risk of uneven whitening results if a teeth whitening treatment isn’t carried out correctly. Should the bleaching gel come into contact with the soft tissues in your mouth or your gums, as often happens with cheap teeth whitening kits, there could be a risk of chemical burns. This is why it’s so important to seek advice from your dentist before using any whitening product.

Ask your dentist about your teeth whitening options
Before considering types of teeth whitening, it’s always best to get advice from your dentist. He or she can explain the cause of your tooth discolouration and whether a whitening treatment containing hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth is the best solution.

Generally speaking, most teeth whitening treatments work best on teeth that are yellow in colour
rather than dark grey or brown. In addition, if your discolouration has been caused from medication, smoking tobacco, or your love of coffee and red wine, your dentist may advise you to avoid these if you want your newly whitened smile to last.

Because your dentist is familiar with your oral health they can make recommendations so you get the results you want in your time frame. More importantly, they can monitor your progress and address any sensitivity issues.

Teeth Whitening – Best Results
At Point Cook Dental we can help you whiten your teeth using an Opalescence Gold take-home whitening kit. Safe and effective, these kits consist of bespoke trays for a snug fit to the contours of your mouth and teeth and the all-important whitening gel. The kits are available in different flavours and concentrations so we can select the best one for your unique needs. According to the instructions we give you, you’ll wear the trays at home usually overnight and normally the results can be seen within a couple of weeks.

If you’re interested to know more about our teeth whitening service then come and speak to the team at Point Cook Dental. Call us today on 03 8595 2630 and take the first steps to a whiter beautiful smile.

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