The Effects of Whitening Gels

Whitening gels are effective in removing stains from your teeth and giving you a brighter smile. As with any treatment, you may experience side effects. If you choose to use a whitening gel, it is always best to consult your dentist for his recommendation for the ideal treatment for you.

Active Ingredient in Whitening Gel

• The active ingredient in whitening gel is carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide comes in several different strengths or percentages. The lower percentages are found in whitening gels that are available over the counter, and the stronger percentages are available only through your dentist.

How Whitening Gel Works

• Whitening gels, regardless of the strength, work the same way. Whitening gels bleach the tooth enamel, removing the stains. The stronger the percentage of carbamide peroxide, the deeper the gel works to remove stains and discoloration of the teeth. With the use of stronger gels, the risk of side effects increases.

Side Effects of Whitening Gel

• Side effects can be fairly common when using whitening gels. Side effects are usually not very serious, but some people may react differently. The two most common side effects from whitening gel are sensitivity and gum irritation.

  Sensitivity can vary in severity depending on the person, but it is most often not a permanent condition. Sensitivity occurs when the tooth's enamel is being altered by the peroxide in the whitening gel. To help eliminate the sensitivity, brushing with toothpaste designed to help combat sensitivity may help lessen this side effect.

  Gum irritation is another side effect of whitening gels. This commonly occurs if the gel gets on the gums of the user. The peroxide is what causes this irritation. A way to avoid this side effect is by making sure the tray is not too full of gel, or to have the whitening procedure performed at your dentist's office where you can be fitted with a custom whitening tray.

Forms of Whitening Gel

• Whitening gel comes in many different forms, from whitening toothpastes to whitening trays. Whitening toothpastes work well, but can be abrasive to the enamel over time. Whitening strips can be difficult to apply and can be uncomfortable to wear during treatment, but they are very effective in whitening your teeth. There are also whitening gels available that you "brush" onto your teeth. These do not cause as much gum irritation, but the whitening may be uneven. You must also make sure your teeth are dry and remain that way until the whitening gel has dried. Much like those the dentist offers, you can purchase whitening trays for at home use. The whitening trays are less complicated to use but may be uncomfortable because the tray may be too large or too small as it was not fitted to your teeth. All of these options provide the same result; a whiter smile, but having treatments at your dentist's office will usually provide the best results.