Teeth whitening is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures nowadays. An attractive smile gives you self-confidence and increases your chances of social success. Therefore, many people come to the dentist not only for dental treatment, but also for cosmetic procedures. But is it necessary to consult a doctor with questions of beauty and aesthetics? Maybe home manipulations in pursuit of a snow-white smile are enough?
A person always has an alternative on how to solve the problem of teeth whitening. The first way is expensive procedures in the dentist’s office, the second option is folk recipes for home use, the third is the search for special whitening products in the pharmacy assortment.
Teeth whitening products at the pharmacy
What teeth should be naturally?
We can list many examples that were considered a trend at one time, but at the same time were harmful to health. For example, women's corsets, which squeezed the internal organs so that they took away their breath and disrupted the functioning of the internal organs. The situation with teeth is approximately the same. Dentists confirm that our human smile is not snow-white by nature, but yellowish. This is normal and indicates oral health.
Despite popular belief, the enamel that covers the tooth is almost transparent and not white. Beneath it is dentin, the main tissue of the tooth, which naturally has a yellowish tint. It is this that “shines through” the enamel and gives it its characteristic yellowness. And most importantly, this shade indicates the health of the teeth, their strength and resistance to caries. If a person’s teeth are naturally too white, this indicates poor enamel mineralization and requires treatment.
Therefore, the first thing when consulting a visitor with the problem of yellow teeth is to determine whether the problem is acquired or whether it is a habitual condition of the teeth.
Why do teeth change color?
In order to properly conduct a consultation, a pharmacist or pharmacist must find out the cause of the defect. Dentists identify a number of factors that change the color of teeth:
- Consumption of certain foods and drinks that contain natural or artificial colors: blueberries, chocolate, beets, black tea, coffee, dark juices, etc.
- Bad habits. Smoking and chewing tobacco gives an unsightly yellow tint and spoils the overall condition of teeth.
- Insufficient hygiene. Improper and irregular tooth brushing is the main factor in changing the shade of dentin
- Caries and other dental diseases;
- Internal causes: lack or excess of fluoride, metabolic disorders, genetic diseases
- Fillings and restorations
- Aging. Dentin turns yellow with age
- Taking medications: tetracycline, iron and others
- A combination of several reasons.
A pharmacist or pharmacist can help with the first three reasons. If systemic or dental diseases are suspected, the visitor should be advised to consult a doctor.
Key benefits of professional teeth whitening
Many people ask the question: “Where is it better to whiten teeth – at the dentist or at home?” After all, on store shelves you can find a lot of “magic” home whitening products. But you should understand that by trying to improve the color of your teeth on your own, you risk irreparably damaging your tooth enamel. It is better to entrust this important procedure to an experienced specialist at our clinic and personally see the following advantages of professional whitening in a well-equipped dental office:
- Aesthetically attractive result. The doctor will assess the condition and color of the teeth and accurately calculate the degree of exposure required. After all, absolute whiteness looks unnatural. The capabilities of modern whitening systems allow you to change color within a wide range: from 1-2 to 12 tones.
- Long lasting results. Following the doctor’s recommendations and observing the rules of personal hygiene will allow you to maintain the achieved results for 2 to 5 years. Those who smoke will have to stop smoking for several days after the procedure, otherwise the achieved effect will be nullified. In order to maintain the results of whitening, it is recommended to adhere to the principles of the “white” diet - avoid foods with coloring pigments.
- Safety. The professionalism and experience of the dentist will allow you to carry out the necessary manipulations not only without damaging the enamel, but also strengthening it against the action of cariogenic bacteria.
Photo: teeth whitening
A professional teeth whitening procedure will get rid of deep nicotine and coffee stains, get rid of tetracycline strips and “clear” tips. Safe teeth whitening in dentistry will allow you to get the desired result without harm to your health.
Types of teeth whitening
Whitening is a cosmetic procedure aimed at changing the color of dentin. It can be professional or home. Professional whitening (chemical/ultrasonic/laser/photo whitening) is performed by a dentist in an office or clinic. These methods are considered the safest and most effective.
For home whitening, traditional methods and special products are used. It is the latter that pharmacists and pharmacists deal with. In addition, these products may be recommended by dentists as the final stage of professional whitening, usually 2 weeks after the procedure. Special whitening products are given to the patient in the clinic, or he buys them at the pharmacy as prescribed by the doctor.
Carbamide peroxide-based products are widely used in both home and professional whitening. It consists of hydrogen peroxide and urea peroxide. When it hits the surface of a tooth, the substance disintegrates to form atomic oxygen. The latter penetrates the dentin and destroys the yellow pigment.
When carrying out the procedure in the clinic, high concentrations of carbamide peroxide of 10% and above are used. You need to be careful with them, as they can cause severe burns. To enhance the effect, the gel with the active substance is irradiated with special lamps. For home use, concentrations of the active substance range from 4 to 7.5%.
It is worth saying that this substance is approved by the American and Russian Dental Associations and recommended for use. Products that contain acids or abrasives should be used with extreme caution and it is best to consult a doctor before using them.
Is it possible to whiten teeth using a pharmacy mouthwash?
Another product that the pharmacy may offer you is mouthwash. Such preparations perfectly freshen breath and can remove food debris from the interdental spaces. This is a good prevention of caries and periodontitis; rinses and plaque are removed. Because of it, tooth enamel darkens, so this is what you need to fight against.
Mouthwash
Rinse aid is only an aid and will not solve the problem of regular cleaning. Therefore, it is usually used in combination, as the final stage of a daily hygiene procedure. Most likely, the pharmacy will recommend you a set of certain whitening products, which will also include a rinse aid.
Despite the apparent simplicity of this product, you should consult your dentist about choosing a mouthwash that is beneficial for you. Knowing what problems need to be solved in a particular case, the doctor will recommend a rinse with the optimal composition.
Mouthwash "Blue Pearl" whitening
Are there any contraindications?
There are several diseases and conditions for which professional and home whitening using products containing carbamide peroxide is not recommended:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, as the procedure may cause increased sensitivity of the teeth.
- Age up to 18 years. Before this period, the procedure cannot be carried out according to the instructions.
- Cracks, chips. Damage and defects can cause the composition to penetrate deep into the tooth tissue and lead to a burn of the pulp.
- Caries and carious cavities. If this problem is not eliminated before manipulation, the application of a bleaching agent will lead to softening of the dentin and aggravation of the disease.
Teeth whitening products in pharmacies
The pharmaceutical market offers the following products for home whitening:
| Facilities | Peculiarities | Examples |
| Toothpastes and powders | The brightening effect is manifested by abrasive components (calcium compounds, aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, polyphosphates, bentonite clay, silicon oxide, dicalcium phosphate), acids, peroxide, oxygen or specific enzymes. With regular use of abrasives, it is possible to achieve a change in tooth color by 1 tone, no more, and at the same time they damage the enamel. Therefore, these products must be used carefully and for no more than a month. Acidic, peroxide and oxygen pastes are not recommended for those with sensitive teeth. Enzymes papain, bromelain and titanium dioxide are whitening ingredients that gently lighten and are suitable for long-term use. | Examples of non-abrasive toothpastes:
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| Rinse aids | The lightening quality of these products is minimal. Their release form does not allow for long-term and effective contact of the whitening components with the tooth surface. Therefore, rinses have a different role - to increase the effectiveness of toothpaste, wash away food debris, normalize pH, destroy microorganisms, freshen breath and thereby improve oral hygiene. |
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| Gels | Gels usually contain carbamide peroxide, a substance that breaks down the pigment in tooth dentin. Gels sold in pharmacies are inferior in effectiveness to professional ones. The percentage of the active component in them is lower and without special equipment the result will not be so obvious. But they do not require special equipment and are safe to use, so they are popular at home. |
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| Mouthguards | Mouthguards are not independent means for whitening; they enhance the effectiveness of gels. The whitening solution is applied to the teeth, and then the mouth guard is worn for several hours or overnight. In pharmacies you can also find kits that include LED lamps. Their task is to activate the gel and speed up the procedure. When consulting, you need to pay attention to the size of the mouthguard. There are two types sold in pharmacies: standard or thermoplastic. The latest model, after heating under hot water, takes the shape of a human jaw and is considered more effective. |
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| Pencils | This is a whitening gel in a form that is more convenient to use. The active substance, as a rule, is the same carbamide peroxide. |
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| Stripes | They are impregnated with a whitening composition based on carbamide peroxide and glued to the teeth overnight or for several hours. A convenient and inexpensive method that has gained great popularity. Their essence is the same as that of mouthguards - to increase the efficiency and uninterrupted supply of active components to the tooth tissues. |
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| Pills | They clean dentures. According to the instructions, dissolve the tablet in water and immerse the prosthesis in the prepared solution. Main effects:
Due to this hygiene, dentures will not change color over time. |
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Whitening strips: how effective are they?
Disposable whitening strips are also in great demand. They look like flexible, rather thin plates; a gel-like medicinal composition is applied to them. Lightening from 1 to 4 tones is the effect that strip manufacturers promise.
- Teeth whitening products at the pharmacy
Whitening strips
This product is recommended for people with yellowish or grayish enamel, coffee lovers, tea drinkers and smokers. Strips are also in demand by people who wore braces.
Extreme White Crestal whitening strips
The strips operate using peroxide gel (hydrogen peroxide + urea). When the film is removed from the strip itself, the gel begins to work actively. Hydrogen peroxide is responsible for the production of oxygen ions, which have oxidizing properties. These ions enter the deep layers of the tooth and destroy all pigments into ordinary water and carbon dioxide. This is how the enamel brightens.
What else do you need to know about whitening strips?
- These are disposable products, each strip is used only once.
- The procedure is carried out 1 or 2 times a day (depending on the instructions in the instructions).
- Strips made for the upper row of teeth are usually longer than those created for the lower row.
- Depending on the model and type of strip, it will last from five minutes to half an hour (the action time cannot be exceeded without permission).
- After removing the product from your teeth, you need to brush your teeth and rinse your mouth.
Using strips
Naturally, while the strips are in effect, you cannot eat or drink. You can talk, but it's unlikely to be comfortable. The whitening course is specified by the manufacturer; on average, it lasts 2 weeks. While you are taking the course, avoid strong tea, coffee, and products that actively stain your enamel.
Table. Pros and cons of drugstore whitening strips
| pros | Minuses |
| The procedure is carried out at home | You may experience dental hypersensitivity for several days |
| Quick results - the desired effect is achieved in a few days | There is still a risk of an allergic reaction |
| No aggressive effect on enamel | The strips are not always tightly fixed to the teeth, which is why whitening may be uneven |
| The result lasts for a long time, from six months to a year | Cannot be used if you have serious dental problems |
| The procedure is safe and painless | Does not bleach complex cases of pigmentation, such as fluorosis |
| The strips are available and the price for this product is quite reasonable | Cannot be used if there are several fillings on the front teeth |
How to use strips - photo
Naturally, these strips are also not used for removable or fixed prosthetics. They are not recommended for use by expectant mothers and women during lactation. Do not allow children to use this product. For stomatitis, gingivitis and periodontitis, this method of whitening is also prohibited. For people suffering from bronchial asthma and severe forms of epilepsy, strips are contraindicated.
Crest 3D White
As in all similar situations, it is best to coordinate the choice of whitening products with your dentist. Only he sees and professionally evaluates the condition of your oral cavity. Therefore, the dentist’s recommendations will be personal, and the universal nature of other advice deprives you of the possibility of an individual approach in choosing care and hygiene products.
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Which method do you recommend?
The choice will primarily depend on the problem with which the visitor came to the pharmacy. If yellowness is associated with food, bad habits or insufficient hygiene, a pharmaceutical specialist may advise changing the usual paste to a whitening one and additionally offering mouth guards, gels, pencils or strips for use once a week or a short course (the course depends on the type of product).
It is also worth warning that the effect of home whitening will always be less pronounced than that of professional whitening. This will help eliminate objections in the future and prevent the formation of inflated expectations from the procedure. It is better to recommend products from the same series and line, since they usually complement each other and are compatible in composition.
When consulting, it is imperative to clarify whether the patient has caries, whether teeth have been restored or dentures have been installed. If you have cavities or black staining, it is important to recommend seeking help from a dentist. It is also necessary to refer the patient to a doctor if there is a suspicion of diseases of the internal organs, for example, liver diseases, diabetes, oncology, etc. You can assume this problem in a person by asking questions. If previously the color of the teeth was one, but then changed and other symptoms are observed: pain in a certain area, itching of the skin, excessive urination or sweating, etc., in this case it is definitely recommended to refer the patient to a doctor.
Popular brands of gels
There is a fairly wide range of whitening gels on the market. Let's look at the features of the most popular of them.
Plus White Whitening Booster
Gel Plus White Enhanced Whitening is designed specifically for home use. It contains oxygen peroxide and protective components that allow you to carefully and effectively improve the color of enamel without leaving your own home. To use it, just apply the drug to your toothbrush in combination with any toothpaste and simply brush your teeth as usual. The entire whitening procedure takes a few minutes a day, and the effect is noticeable after just a few uses. In addition, Plus White Whitening Booster gel additionally protects the surface of the teeth from the formation of soft plaque and tartar and freshens breath for a long time.
Depending on the initial data, when using the gel, it is possible to lighten tooth enamel by 2-3 shades. The effect lasts for several months.
Colgate Simply White
Colgate's product, Simple White Teeth Whitening Gel, is a reliable solution for achieving natural whiteness at home in just 14 days. Initial changes in tooth color are noticeable after 3-4 days. The gel is safe for enamel and does not damage it. Use Colgate gel in the morning and evening after hygienic brushing of teeth. It is applied with a special brush, avoiding contact with the gums, after which you refrain from drinking and eating for 30 minutes. The gel is absorbed into the enamel within a few seconds, so there is no need to wait for it to dry. Maximum effectiveness is achieved by day 14 and lasts up to 12 months. Allows you to lighten enamel up to 4 tones.
Colgate Simply White Night
Teeth whitener Colgate Simple White Knight is a new development in whitening that allows you to achieve maximum effect within two weeks with a single use of the gel. The improved formula based on hydrogen peroxide actively brightens the enamel by 3-4 tones without destroying it. In the evening before going to bed, it is enough to treat the surface of the teeth with the preparation for a few seconds. The whitening effect lasts up to a year.
Plus White 5 Minute Bleach Whitening Gel
Gel Plus White maximum whitening allows you to achieve natural white teeth in just 5 minutes a day. The full course of procedures is just 14 days, and the duration of the effect is more than a year. It can be used both by applying it with a regular brush and as a gel for trays. The patented formula with hydrogen peroxide and special polymers gently affects the surface of the enamel and does not destroy it. Depending on the reasons for the color change, it is possible to lighten teeth up to 3-4 tones. Neutral pH does not irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Plus White 5 Minute Bleach Whitening Gel for sensitive teeth
New unique gel for whitening sensitive teeth. Thanks to the formula, saturated with active forms of oxygen, it became possible to effectively and most gently lighten enamel up to 3 tones. The neutral pH level does not irritate the delicate mucous membranes of the mouth and does not cause discomfort to the most sensitive teeth. The gel is applied once a day to the surface of the enamel and rinsed after 5 minutes. The first result is noticeable after just one use. The effect lasts throughout the year.
ROCS Pro "Oxygen whitening"
Intensive teeth whitening gel Rox Pro “Oxygen Whitening” is designed to give the enamel a natural white tint. The patented formula does not destroy the enamel structure, does not irritate the mucous membranes and allows you to achieve maximum effect in just 4 weeks. ROCS is used twice a day in several ways: either in combination with paste and a regular toothbrush, or using a custom dental mouth guard. The whitening course is 28 days. With the help of Rox you can lighten the enamel by 2-3 tones.
Global white "Whitening Gel"
Gel based on 6% oxygen peroxide and potassium nitrate. Allows you to whiten tooth enamel with increased sensitivity to acid, high and low temperatures. The gel whitens teeth by 2-3 shades in just 7 days of use. Additionally, the product contains xylitol, a substance that inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause the development of caries and unpleasant odor. The gel is applied to the surface of the teeth using a brush or cotton pad. It can be used with a mouthguard. Exposure time: 7 minutes. The duration of the course is a week.
Although whitening gels are intended for use at home, only a professional dentist can choose the best product that will not cause harm and will be effective in your particular case. Using teeth whitening gels without first consulting a doctor can be dangerous and cause serious dental problems.
Consulting algorithm
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