One of the most popular items on the market for teeth whitening is Crest White Strips. They’re one of many products marketed to consumers that promise an easy way to whiten teeth and brighten smiles. The question is this–do they work? Are they safe products to use, or are they just quick fix that offers no real results? Today, we’ll find out whether these are safe to use.
The quick answer is this–yes, they work. Crest White Strips and several other products give your teeth a brighter appearance. These work by coating the teeth with a gel that contains hydrogen peroxide, low concentrations of the same chemicals used at your local dentist’s office.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide effectively cleans wounds and eliminates the bacteria that accumulate in open sores. However, many dental experts have attested that its use in the human mouth can do more harm than good. Hydrogen peroxide causes harm to the helpful bacteria in your mouth that prevent cavities and eliminate bad breath. Hydrogen Peroxide can also cause damage to the exposed gum tissue.
Can I Still Use Crest Whitestrips? Are They Safe?
The usage of Crest White Stripes in moderation is perfectly fine. Some dental hygienists recommend that they’re only used once every five years. Regular and prolonged use of the product can cause notable damage to your teeth and gums. Some people have opted for products that are used in addition to UV light. While this expands the whitening process for longer durations, research has shown it to do more harm than good. Prolonged exposure to UV lights causes damage to both the roots and pulp of the tooth and increases the risk for toothaches and root canals.
Safe Alternatives
If you have teeth that need to be whitened, there are safe alternatives to products such as Crest White Strips. Charcoal toothpaste has been proven to be very effective at whitening teeth in a safe manner. The safest and most effective way is to consult with your dentist and determine if there are available treatments that they can perform before or during your next office visit.
Of course, the best way to keep that perfect smile is to brush twice a day, floss, and drink plenty of water to combat the stains that can develop throughout the course of the day.
The Offices of Dr. Marshall S Skopp, DMD
When it comes to getting that perfect smile that leaves everyone speechless, the offices of Dr. Marshall S Skopp have been keeping Staten Island smiling for years. For appointments and more, visit us at drskopp.com.