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Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Within the modern world of diet pills and self-help guides, everyone seems to be looking for a quick fix to their “problems” and insecurities. Naturally, this want for fast and cheap improvement has made its way into the world of dental care. Many high street products promise to give you dazzling white teeth for the same price as your standard toothpaste, but does this really work? And more importantly, is this safe?

This guide, prepared by our experienced dental clinic London specialists will cover the safest and most effective means of teeth whitening, meaning that you are left with a brighter smile that lasts.

 

Do High Street Tooth Whitening Kits Work?

With it being reported that over 40% of us are concerned about the shade of our teeth, it is no surprise that high street brands are beginning to capitalise on the want for a perfect smile. Any walk through a high street chemist will expose you to shelves upon shelves of cheap toothpaste and whitening kits which claim to be able to give you “X shades white in Y number of weeks!”

But at what cost? Well, putting to one side for a second the (un)likelihood of these budget products being able to replicate the results of trained professionals who have been providing teeth whitening services for decades, you could be putting your long term safety at risk.

Cheap whitening tubes of toothpaste are not only unlikely to work but many of them ultimately also contain dangerous abrasives. Excess brushing with this type of product will scratch the surface of the enamel away until the point that the natural shine of your teeth may become lost.

If your enamel is damaged to such an extent then you will require a more severe dental procedure to restore them. When enamel gets worn out like this, teeth can appear discoloured and this is a common cause of tooth decay.

 

Which Teeth Whitening Ingredients Are Dangerous?

High street teeth whitening products containing peroxide should be used especially with caution. Peroxide has the tendency to increase the sensitivity of teeth and gums. Therefore, people with sensitive teeth should absolutely steer clear of budget teeth whitening kits, especially those containing peroxide, as they are likely to cause further damage.

One of the biggest concerns amongst high street teeth whitening products is that they have the potential to expose your dentin by rubbing away the enamel. Dentin is a tissue on the teeth that is calcified and consists of tiny tubes. This is the second layer of the tooth and is normally covered by enamel and covers the pulp, making up the majority of the tooth’s structure. Cases, in which the dentin is exposed is why so many people experienced increased sensitivity to cold and hot beverages.

Those who wish to whiten their teeth, or at least maintain their current shade, should consult their London dental clinic before investing in the empty promises of high street brands. A gentle and high-quality whitening product used with a soft toothbrush can help whiten teeth without causing side effects.  However, for those who wish to finally unlock the Hollywood smile that we’ve all dreamed about, then teeth whitening services from a dental clinic London may be the best option for you.

 

Are Dental Teeth Whitening Procedures Safe?

The safest, most effective and long-lasting means of whitening your teeth is through the services of professional care. This type of teeth whitening is safe when carried out by a qualified dental professional. However, this procedure is very dangerous if it is not carried out by a dental professional as it can severely damage your teeth and have lifelong consequences.

The downside of this is that the NHS will not cover this procedure in the vast majority of cases as it is considered to be a cosmetic treatment. Therefore, many people opt to go through the expert services of a private London dental clinic.

During a home dental teeth whitening procedure, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth in order to make a mouthguard. They will then inform you how to use it with a bleaching gel. You will then use your mouthguard at home and regularly apply the gel for a specified period of time. Results are normally seen over 2 weeks and your teeth will also appear whiter and brighter.

Another form of dental whitening procedure is known as laser or “power” whitening. Both forms of dental whitening are extremely effective. However, many people opt for this choice as not only does it guarantee a bright and white smile but it also is time-efficient and simply carried out. A bleaching product is applied to your teeth before a laser is shone onto them to activate the whitening. At most clinics, this will take one hour and protective measures are taken to ensure no damage is caused to your gums or mouth.

The side effects and dangers that come with these services are very low, with only a small percentage of people experience any adverse reactions. However, a dentist will have to do an assessment of the patient’s current dental care to ensure that they are fit for the procedure. Those who have overly damaged enamel, for example, may not be accepted for treatment.

 

Unlock a Brighter Smile with Hermes

Hermes Dental Clinic London is an award-winning dental clinic with experience and a proven track record in professional teeth whitening, as well as many other dental procedures. If you want more reasons to smile, then simply get in contact today – we’d love to help.

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