Teeth Whitening Pens - Effective or Not

Tooth Whitening is a very effective way of whitening and lightening the colour of your teeth by removing any discolouration on them. Dental whitening is available since 20 years under American Dental Association (ADA). It is a safe method of whitening your teeth, it is mostly safe for almost all adults with healthy teeth. There are different types of teeth whitening methods which are to be done under dental supervision. Here we are going to discuss about Teeth Whitening Pens which can be easily used at home.

What is a Teeth Whitening Pen ?

Teeth whitening pen is an easy to use small dental instrument, which can make your teeth whiter in a few days of treatment, by applying bleach gel to the enamel of your teeth. It is an instrument for home use. It contains most popular whitening formula, 35% carbamide peroxide in an easy to use applicator pen.

What does it contain ?

Teeth whitening pen contain 35% carbamide peroxide formula. According to American Dental Association (ADA) hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the only things, which works for whitening of teeth.

- Safe peroxide levels.

According to the ADA, the concentration of 10% hydrogen peroxide or more, is corrosive to mucous membranes and cause burning sensation and tissue damage.

30-35% of carbamide peroxide is equal to about 10% of hydrogen peroxide, which are within the safe limits for your mouth - Dr. Katia Friedman DDS.

Whitening products stronger than this should be used under dentist supervision.

How to use ?

Apply thin layer of gel on your teeth and leave it for 10 minutes, then wash it off. It is recommended to be used after brushing your teeth, because plaque or tartar buildup around the tooth reduces its effectiveness.

How does it works ?

It works by a process called oxygenation in which saliva reacts with peroxide and breakdown it into oxygen and water, this results bubbling which helps to clean teeth and make it whiter. Using it for about 1-2 weeks will give you better results. For its effectiveness one should maintain oral hygiene and it should be immediately used after eating something staining.

Is it safe to use ?

Teeth whitening pens are safe to use for most adults with healthy teeth. Adults with unhealthy teeth and gums with sensitivity and exposure of roots are not recommended to use, as it can cause burning sensation. Apart from this children who can swallow the gel should not use these pens. Pregnant and lactating women and the one using braces should avoid using it.

Though, Teeth Whitening Pens are not much effective in whitening of teeth they can be helpful in maintenance of teeth. It should be used immediately after eating or drinking staining food items.

It is effective for quick touchups but one should maintain their teeth after whitening.

Consult your dentist before using any teeth whitening products to make sure what is best for your teeth.

How does tooth stains ?

It is due to the exposure of dentine which is a layer below enamel. Due to the loss of enamel, dentine is exposed which is yellow in colour. Tooth stains are due to different factors,

1. Medication - Some medications can discolour your teeth. This can be noticed by a sudden change in your teeth colour.

2. Food and Drinks - Acidic foods and beverages can discolour your teeth. These highly acidic foods can remove enamel layer of your teeth exposing dentine. Other coloured foods and coffee can also cause discolouration.

3. Age - Natural discolouration of teeth occurs as we get older due to the thinning of enamel.

4. Tobacco - Tobacco and smoking also causes teeth discolouration.

How to prevent tooth stains ?

Whitening products contains chemical, which bleach your teeth. Rather than using such products we can prevent tooth stains by,

- Brushing with baking soda.

- Using apple cider vinegar.

- Preventing tooth stains before they happen.

- Brushing and flossing.