How exactly does teeth whitening actually work?

July 22

You have probably already asked yourself why normal brushing does not make your teeth as white as you would like them to be. Or what makes the difference between normal toothpaste and OnlySmile products and how exactly they work. Today we will talk about the exact functionality of teeth whitening and why simply brushing your teeth usually does not help you to achieve a brilliant white smile.

Natural tooth whitener

If you look at the back of almost every toothpaste available in the supermarket, you will find that almost every one of these products contains fluoride, usually identified by the statement: Sodium Fluoride / Sodium Fluoride. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in drinking water, meat, and marine animals. It is best known for its anti-bacterial properties in the oral cavity and its positive effects on bones and teeth (Clarkson, 2000). In simple terms, it can be said that fluoride helps keep teeth healthy, but not whitening. Other home remedies such as baking soda or coconut oil are also not recommended because of their largely unknown or harmful effects in the long term.

How do I get my teeth whiter?

The way recommended by dentists (BZÄK eV, 2021) is to use a chemical whitening agent such as hydrogen peroxide. It is precisely that which shows the greatest possible and best-researched effect. Hydrogen peroxide has an oxidizing effect on the dyes in the tooth and this breakdown of the same color substances ensures whiter teeth. And that is exactly what you will find in ours OnlySmile teeth whitening gel.

How long does the whitening effect last and what should I watch out for?

The effect lasts up to a maximum of 6 months, depending on your natural tooth color and your eating habits. From then on, a natural darkening of the teeth can be expected again at the latest. Since high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can irritate sensitive gums in particular, the EU has stipulated in its Cosmetics Ordinance (2011/84 / EU) that only a maximum of 0,1% hydrogen peroxide may be present in creams and gels for teeth whitening for private use . Since we at Only-Smile pay very close attention to the well-being of our customers, we do a lot to prevent undesirable reactions from incorrect use. That's why we add a package insert to each of our products, which describes exactly how our respective product is to be used. If you follow this leaflet, you are definitely always on the safe side.

Why is there an LED lamp in the OnlySmile tooth whitening set?

Lamps and certain lights can increase the efficiency of the whitening gel. In particular with warm lamps, as is the case with UV or laser lamps, for example, small channels open on the tooth surface and allow the gel to be absorbed faster and work deeper, which can then lead to an improved result.

Unfortunately, however, recent research has shown that heat-emitting lamps are not advisable, as these also permanently damage the tooth nerves and can also lead to dehydration of the teeth (BZÄK eV, 2021).

It is therefore advisable to bleach with cold light and to optimally coordinate the gel and light. This is exactly the case with our OnlySmile tooth whitening set, as LEDs, as so-called cold light, generate the least amount of heat and can therefore whiten teeth even with the least amount of damage (Zhang et al .; 2007). Since both the lamp and the gel come from the same company, they are perfectly coordinated and deliver the best possible result.

Summary

In order to be able to bleach teeth effectively and in the long term from home, we recommend using a product with 0,1% hydrogen peroxide and a cold light LED, such as ours OnlySmile teeth whitening set the case is.

Curious? You can find ours here Blog with other exciting and informative articles and here ours OnlySmile teeth whitening set.

Sources

• Zhang C., Wang, X., Kinoshita, J., Zhao, B., Toko, T., Kimura, Y., & Matsumoto, K. (2007). Effects of KTP Laser Irradiation, Diode Laser, and LED on Tooth Bleaching: A Comparative Study. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 25 (2), 91-95. http://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2006.2025

• Clarkson, JJ and McLoughlin, J. (2000), Role of fluoride in oral health promotion. International Dental Journal, 50 (10), 119-128. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1875-595X.2000.tb00552.x

• Federal Dental Association (BZÄK eV), B.-A. the DZ 2021). Teeth whitening / bleaching. Federal Dental Association - Working Group of the German Dental Associations (BZÄK). Retrieved June 27, 2021, from https://www.bzaek.de/fuer-patienten/zahn-und-mundgesundheit/zahnaufhellung-bleaching.html

• Directive 2010/84 / EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of December 15, 2010 amending Directive 2001/83 / EC on the creation of a Community code for medicinal products for human use with regard to pharmacovigilance Text of relevance to the EEA. (2011). 26th

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