Teeth Whitening Safety Guidelines for Strips, Pens & More.

Teeth whitening solutions come packaged in foams, pastes, strips, pens, brushes, and more. If you choose the right product and follow instructions, these products are typically safe.

But these products are powerful, and they aren't right for everyone. To protect your teeth, follow best practices and allow a professional to supervise your progress.

Plenty of Whitening Products Available

There's more than one way to whiten your teeth. In fact, there are dozens of them.

At-home tooth-whitening products include:

• Toothpaste

• Gels

• Strips

• Pens

• Foams

Products work in one of two ways. Some are abrasive, and they scratch and scrape the tooth's surface. If your teeth are discolored due to surface staining or persistent plaque, these products can be helpful.

But use them too often, and you can erode healthy tissue. Bleach-based products sit on your teeth and lighten stains both on the surface and just below. They are stronger than abrasives, so they are appropriate for deeper stains. But these products can be uncomfortable for those with sensitive teeth.

Use these products as directed, and they are safe, researchers say. But the risks are real, and they can include tooth softening, increased sensitivity, and gum irritation.

Before you run out to the store, pick up a product, and apply it, know that the tool in your hands can be dangerous. Follow best practices to protect your smile.

How to Stay Safe while Whitening Teeth at Home

Your teeth are more than decorative. You use them to eat, talk, and more. It's reasonable to want white, beautiful teeth. But you must protect them and keep them healthy too.

Ensure that you don't harm your teeth. Follow these steps:

Stay on the Side of Safety

Tooth whitening products are strong, and if you use them too often, they can damage your teeth. Researchers say overuse of teeth bleaches is similar to overuse of hair bleach, but you may not see the dental damage. Don't risk your health by overdoing the treatments.

As we mentioned, most teeth whitening products are safe to use. But protecting your mouth and your smile is always wise. Don’t skip these steps as you brighten your teeth.

How to Safely Whiten Teeth at Home: An Overview

To ensure your safety while whitening teeth at home, follow these general guidelines:

• Only use products you’ve purchased from a reputable retailer that have the American Dental Association seal of approval. 

• Follow the instructions carefully. Use the whitening product you’ve purchased as it’s intended to be used. For example, don’t keep a whitening tray on for longer than the instructions direct because you think it will be more effective. This could result in pain or sensitivity. 

• If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop immediately. Your whitening product should not be painful. 

• Don’t overuse whitening products. Repeated bleaching or whitening can impact the tooth’s enamel. Follow the guidelines provided by your whitening product on how often it can be used or consult your dentist.

What to Avoid when Whitening your Teeth

With so many whitening products on the market, it’s important to know which ones to look out for. It’s not always easy to tell which products are unsafe or not recommended, but there are some clues.Stay away from products like these:

• Products that don’t feature the ADA seal of approval

• Products claiming to be very high strength or highly concentrated (if you are new to whitening, a gentler product may be a safer choice)

• Products that are only available from non-reputable online sources

• Products that have numerous bad reviews online

• Products from companies that don’t appear to have a functional website or customer support line

Professional Whitening Options

There's one class of dental bleaches we haven't discussed yet. Dental professionals administer these products, but you use them at home. Think of them as slightly more powerful than products you would buy in a store, but they're not as intense as therapies dentists use within their offices.

An at-home kit like this includes:

• Trays. These fit around your teeth, and you should have two sets. One sits on the upper teeth, and one fits on the lower teeth.

• Solution. Gels, foams, and liquids are common. Put them into the trays before treatment.

• Instructions. You should know when and how to use these products. Follow these instructions closely.

These products can be stronger than those you buy in a store. Assess your pain level carefully, and if you feel discomfort, reach out to your dentist.

Experts say discomfort can stem from bleaching trays. If they don't fit your teeth just right, roots and gums can be exposed and harmed.

Use aligners, and you may have a built-in solution. Aligners fit your teeth like a glove as they gently push your smile in a new direction. Those same tools, filled with the right solution, can whiten your teeth as they straighten your smile.

Use products made to intersect with teeth aligners. Some bleaching products are too strong for aligners, and melting and damage can occur. Protect your investment in straight teeth by sticking to the products your aligner company approves.

Is a Whiter Smile Worthwhile?

Your smile is one of the first things people notice. Most people have teeth that are slightly yellowed with food stains and age.

But bright, white teeth give you an aura of health and attractiveness that helps you stand out. Use the right products in the right way, and you can have that whiter smile without risking your health.

Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions