Should I Avoid Whitening Products That Aren’t ADA Approved?
By Paul Krech | Published on November 17, 2010 | 0 Comments
As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to stick with products that are approved by the American Dental Association when buying whitening toothpastes and other over the counter tooth bleaching agents, says Centerpointe Dental‘s Dr. Paul Krech. A cosmetic dentist in Lakeville, MN, Dr. Krech says that looking for an ADA seal is just one of many things that people should do when buying tooth whitening products.
When it comes to whitening toothpastes, Dr. Krech recommends that people watch out for products that may be too abrasive for their mouths. Many of the whitening toothpastes sold over the counter are too harsh for the average person’s teeth, and can end up causing sensitivity and other issues.
Of course, just because a person’s teeth have become sensitive does not mean that his toothpaste is to blame. Nonetheless, if the sensitivity began around the same time that the patient started using a new product, then Dr. Krech says it could be a sign that the abrasive toothpaste is actually whisking away some of the tooth enamel. Dr. Krech recommends searching for a toothpaste that contains fluoride, since fluoride is the substance that will actually strengthen and harden the surface of the tooth.
To avoid this type of issue altogether, Dr. Krech says that patients can visit a cosmetic dentist for advice on which tooth whitening treatments will work best for them. Although the bleaching systems that patients buy over the counter usually have the same ingredients as those sold at dentists’ offices, Dr. Krech explains that dentists are able to use versions that are much more concentrated.
Additionally, dentists are able to create custom trays that fit exactly inside each patient’s mouth. Depending on the specific bleaching treatment that a patient decides to try, he or she may be able to take the custom tray home to use daily as well.
Using a custom-fitted tray allows a dentist to make sure the bleach is getting on the teeth rather than the gums. When patients use over the counter bleaching treatments, Dr. Krech says that certain teeth may not get as white as others. Essentially, patients who use over the counter bleaching treatments do not have as much control over where exactly the bleach is going in their mouths and how much of the substance is ending up on each individual tooth.
For the most precise tooth whitening treatment possible, patients should stick with those options offered by their cosmetic dentists. While he does not advise against using an over the counter teeth whitening product that has been approved by the ADA, Dr. Krech says that anyone who wants a precise job should come to a dentist. In Lakeville, MN, Dr. Krech is a cosmetic dentist who offers a number of tooth whitening treatments to patients who want bright, white, healthy smiles.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.