Teeth Whitening from Over the Counter

What does over-the-counter mean?

"Over-the-counter" (OTC) means that a drug or a product does not need a prescription from a doctor to be dispensed in pharmacies. This is so because the product does not contain high levels of an active ingredient that can pose a threat to people’s health. Just as much as there are OTC drugs such as low-dosed aspirin and paracetamol, there are also OTC teeth whitening products available in the local pharmacies.

Does over-the-counter teeth whitening work?

Before answering this question, it is important to know that not all stains on the teeth are the same. There are stains that are only on the surface of the teeth (exterior stains) and there are stains found inside the teeth (interior stains). Just like any method, over-the-counter teeth whitening products have their limitation. Keep in mind that all these over-the-counter products are for surface stains but cannot remove plaque and staining caused by prolonged smoking, coffee drinking, and cola consumption. They work best with surface stains that did not develop gradually over time. Meaning, if the stains on your teeth is due to plaque build-up, then OTC teeth whitening gels, pastes, and strips will not work.

What over-the-counter teeth whitening preparations are available?

Basically, there are three popular forms available in the pharmacy:

1) Paste

This is the most popular form widely known as "toothpaste". Regular toothpastes remove surface stains on the teeth by abrasion. Moreover, they are available in supermarkets as well.

Specially formulated whitening toothpastes contain additional substances that whiten the teeth's external enamel. These need approval from the country's dental association.

The reason why high level of peroxides cannot be formulated in toothpastes is because peroxide can be irritating to the gums. It reacts with the soft tissues of the mouth causing whitening of the tissues in contact with the peroxide, and a stinging pain for open wounds in the mouth and gums.

2) Solution

A bleaching solution is applied directly on the teeth and left for a few minutes before they are rinsed off. This solution can easily find its way to soft tissues in the mouth causing partial whitening on the gums, tongue, and mouth cavity.

3) Strips

Strips are a convenient way of bleaching one's teeth if using a loaded tray is too bothersome. The strip contains a small concentration of peroxide. Then it is applied directly to the teeth. Only minimal or negligible leaking of peroxide to the gums can occur since the strip has an adhesive to keep it in place. This is so far the most effective among over-the-counter teeth whitening products.

How can I be sure that the product is safe?

To make sure that the teeth whitening product is safe and effective, check if it has a seal of approval from the country's dental association. When you see this seal (unless it was tampered with), you will know that the product is safe and effective to a certain extent as described in the product insert or label.

Is it OK to just go ahead and use an over-the-counter teeth whitening product?

The wisest thing to do is to see your dentist for a consultation. The dentist can tell if there are other problems with the teeth that need to be addressed before whitening. Remember, more persistent stains cannot be removed by toothpastes and strips alone. It would be a waste of money to keep on buying over-the-counter teeth whitening products that cannot effectively remove the stains form the teeth. In the long run, the expenses occurred might even approximate that of other teeth whitening methods.

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