Are teeth whitening products safe
The risks of whitening products depend on the peroxide or abrasive ingredient, contact time, directions, tooth condition, and gum protection.
What is the direct answer?
The risks of whitening products depend on the peroxide or abrasive ingredient, contact time, directions, tooth condition, and gum protection.
What does this question mean?
Peroxide may irritate gums or cause sensitivity when misused. Abrasive products can remove surface stain, but whitening does not repair decay or change most restorations.
What can you do next?
Follow the product directions, keep gel off the gums, do not combine products, and stop for pain, burns, swelling, or a new uneven color.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek care for severe pain, ulcerated gums, swelling, a darkening single tooth, or symptoms that continue after stopping. Swelling affecting swallowing or breathing is urgent.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask about the ingredient, concentration, tray or strip fit, restoration matching, and symptoms that require stopping.
Frequently asked questions
What is the next step?
Follow the product directions, keep gel off the gums, do not combine products, and stop for pain, burns, swelling, or a new uneven color.
When should this be checked?
Seek care for severe pain, ulcerated gums, swelling, a darkening single tooth, or symptoms that continue after stopping. Swelling affecting swallowing or breathing is urgent.