Is it Safe to Use Crest Whitestrips?

Although over-the-counter teeth whiteners like Crest Whitestrips are increasingly popular because they're more easily accessible and less expensive than professional whitening, you may experience a bit of fear over taking dental care into your own unskilled hands. Fear not.

Active Ingredient

• The active ingredient in Crest Whitestrips is peroxide. Peroxide is an oxidizing agent that bleaches the teeth of both intrinsic and extrinsic stains.

Peroxide

• Peroxide is a toxic substance if ingested in higher quantities.

Percentage of Peroxide

• The greater the concentration of the peroxide the stronger the effects, both good and bad. The concentration of peroxide in Crest Whitestrips varies from 6 to 14 percent, depending on the variety.

Crest Whitestrips

• Crest's Whitestrips essentially tape the product against the surface of the teeth thus reducing the risk of ingestion. Follow the instructions included with the product to further reduce risk.

Efficacy

• Crest Whitestrips work just like professional teeth whitening works in the dental office. How fast and how well are determined by the peroxide concentration.

Harm

• The only common side effects of teeth whitening are sensitivity to cold and heat and gum irritation, and this sensitivity and irritation is more likely to result from stronger teeth whiteners.