{"id":90,"date":"2021-10-20T22:40:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-20T22:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drennanfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=90"},"modified":"2021-11-10T22:42:07","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T22:42:07","slug":"do-over-the-counter-teeth-whitening-products-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drennanfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/10\/20\/do-over-the-counter-teeth-whitening-products-work\/","title":{"rendered":"True or False: Do Over-the-Counter Whitening Products Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you\u2019ve ever walked down the oral care aisle at your local store, you\u2019re familiar with the seemingly endless number of teeth whitening products available. There are shelves upon shelves of various brands, all promising to deliver stunning results comparable to those of professional treatment. However, the internet is flooded with myths about these products, causing people to raise the question \u2013 do they really <\/em>work? Continue reading to find out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Do Over-the-Counter Whitening Products Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever wondered whether over-the-counter whitening products really work? Let\u2019s take a closer look at two popular teeth whitening<\/a> products found in stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whitening Toothpaste<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Shopping for toothpaste can be an overwhelming task. There are numerous options to choose from, with each one offering unique benefits, such as cavity prevention, desensitizing, and even whitening. Although it\u2019s tempting to opt for a toothpaste that promises to brighten your smile, very few dentists recommend them because they have little to no effect on your teeth. In fact, many of these products contain physical abrasives that can remove surface stains but damage the enamel and scrape away dentin in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whitening Strips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Right off the bat, it\u2019s worth noting that whitening strips are far more effective than toothpaste. They contain bleaching chemicals like carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, which help eliminate stains. However, they can cause you to experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, particularly when they come into contact with your gums. That said, if you decide to use the method, it\u2019s best to get custom whitening trays instead of strips to avoid contact with your gums and to reach the curves of your teeth better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Way to Whiten Your Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you must choose an over-the-counter whitening product, opt for whitening strips or gel and use it as directed by your dentist. You should always consult with a professional before teeth whitening to ensure you\u2019re using a safe method. They can recommend over-the-counter products or offer professional whitening treatment. In whatever case, they\u2019ll be more than happy to help you achieve your desired results with a technique that won\u2019t pose a threat to your oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips to Preserve a Bright, Healthy Smile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best way to brighten your pearly whites and keep them that way is by practicing consistent preventive care. Here are some steps you can take to prevent further discoloration and staining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n