You can’t walk down the toothpaste aisle in the drugstore today without passing package after package of teeth whiteners. Many of them are made by the same companies that have been making toothpaste for years. Drugstore teeth whiteners are cheaper than professional bleaching, which can cost as much as $600 a treatment, and some of them are almost as effective at removing stains from your teeth.

Most tooth discoloration is caused by stains on the outer layer of your teeth, the enamel. These stains can come from things like coffee, red wine, some dark-colored foods, and tobacco products. Regular brushing can prevent most staining, but brushing can’t remove stains that have been absorbed into your enamel over time. Most teeth whiteners work by removing the stains that can’t be brushed away.

The active ingredient in most tooth whitening products is hydrogen peroxide. Both professional and drugstore teeth whiteners contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which is a compound that contains hydrogen peroxide. The difference between professional and drugstore whiteners is the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. Drugstore teeth whiteners contain less hydrogen peroxide than professional products. It may take several weeks for a drugstore whitener to make a noticeable difference in the color of your teeth. Professional tooth whitening services can make your teeth whiter faster, but they are much more expensive.

Drugstore teeth whiteners come in a variety of forms, including strips, brush-on gels, and chewing gum. The strips are usually long enough to cover the teeth that show when you smile, but they may not get all the stains if your teeth are crooked or uneven. Gels can be brushed on to ensure even coverage, but they can make your teeth feel a little sticky for a while. Whitening chewing gums may not work quite as well as the strips and gels, but they are probably the easiest to use. Ask your dentist for a recommendation if you’re not sure which product is right for you. If you’re lucky, your dentist might be able to provide you with coupons or even a sample of a whitener to try.

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Filed under: Best Teeth Whitening Treatments

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