The desire to whiten teeth has existed for over a century, with hydrogen peroxide being the go-to whitening agent.1 In beauty dentistry, tooth whitening is likely one of the hottest practices.1 Hydrogen peroxide is utilized in dental places of work to provide sufferers with a whiter smile. Nonetheless, there are these taking issues into their very own fingers at dwelling.1 Because the introduction of at-home tooth whitening kits, considerations relating to their security have been raised.1 Is at-home tooth whitening with hydrogen peroxide truly secure?
What’s hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide (H202) is a liquid with no style, odour, or color2 It has another oxygen atom than water, which is a property that makes it unstable and harmful if ingested.2 Hydrogen peroxide works by oxidizing the stains on tooth or just breaking down the staining molecules to be eliminated. As a result of H202 is a good oxidizer, there are dangers if the tooth whitening method just isn’t the right concentration and an excessive amount of hydrogen peroxide is ingested.2 The signs of ingesting an excessive amount of hydrogen peroxide embody:
- upset abdomen,
- vomiting,
- throat irritation,
- abdomen irritation,
- and tissue burns.2
Moreover, suppose very excessive ranges of hydrogen peroxide are ingested. In that case, there might be extreme poisonous results that result in blood poisoning, the destruction of tissues, stroke or degenerative illness.2
Tooth whitening on the dentist’s workplace vs at dwelling
Hydrogen peroxide might be present in concentrations of 25% to 40% at dental places of work and three% to fifteen% for at-home use to whiten tooth.2 When utilized by dental professionals, hydrogen peroxide just isn’t related to vital security considerations.2 The protection assurance is as a result of the gums are protected utilizing limitations, and the hydrogen peroxide is in a gel type that’s totally eliminated after therapy.2
People might select to whiten their tooth at dwelling for the sake of comfort or value.2
This course of usually includes making use of a hydrogen peroxide gel to the floor of tooth (the enamel), usually in a mouth guard that’s worn in a single day.2 To stop the chance of gentle to extreme signs like abdomen irritation, at-home formulations typically don’t exceed a focus of 15% hydrogen peroxide.2
Given the benefit of use and low value, at-home whitening could also be an interesting choice.2 However, what if an excessive amount of of the gel is swallowed in a single day, the mouth guard falls out, or the product just isn’t used accurately?
The significance of following directions
When hydrogen peroxide for tooth just isn’t used accurately, tooth sensitivity and gum irritation usually happen lasting for a number of days.2 Harm to the enamel can also occur if excessive concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are used or if the gel is left on the tooth longer than the really useful time.2
Different dangers of at-home tooth whitening
Moreover injury to tooth and gums, there’s a better probability of swallowing hydrogen peroxide throughout at-home whitening.2 An estimated 10% of the utilized product is unintentionally ingested.2 Thankfully, if directions are adopted, there is no such thing as a vital hurt related to hydrogen peroxide publicity.2 The product use suggestions for security ought to be adhered to so the physique’s pure mechanisms, like enzymes present in saliva, can sufficiently degrade the hydrogen peroxide.2
Minimizing dangers and maximizing advantages
Analysis signifies that whitening tooth utilizing hydrogen peroxide is comparatively secure.2 Performing tooth whitening at house is a straightforward and cost-effective option to get hold of a whiter smile, however provided that the directions are adopted.2 Even when precautions are taken, experiencing tooth sensitivity and gum irritation might happen.2 To reduce the dangers and maximize the advantages of tooth whitening, this therapy ought to be carried out by a dental skilled.
References
- Li Y, Greenwall L. Questions of safety of tooth whitening utilizing peroxide-based supplies. Bri Dent J. 2013;215(1):29-34. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2013.629
- Hydrogen peroxide: Find out how to stop and deal with unintentional poisonings. Nationwide Capital Poison Middle. Accessed January 19, 2023. https://www.poison.org/articles/hydrogen-peroxide
