Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Coffee every morning, and a glass of red wine on Fridays. The photo from last summer looks slightly yellow, or you’ve started to notice it. The pharmacy aisle has strips, trays, pens and a charcoal toothpaste that promises results in days. You’re not sure which of those is a bad idea.

What stains teeth

The ADA² lists beverages such as coffee and red wine, whose chromogens attach to the outer part of the tooth, tobacco, enamel thinning with age so the yellowish dentin shows through, tooth trauma that darkens the dentin, and certain medicines such as tetracycline antibiotics.

Types of products

The ADA² lists four. Stain-removal toothpastes use mild abrasives and only work on the surface. In-office bleaching takes one visit. Custom trays from your dentist are used at home over days or weeks. Over-the-counter strips or kits use lower bleaching concentrations. It says to look for the ADA Seal, which means a product has been tested for safety and for whitening results. Cleveland Clinic¹ says gel-filled trays work in days, strips and gels within about two weeks, toothpastes and rinses more slowly, and professional treatments fastest.

What to expect

The ADA² says some people get tooth sensitivity when peroxide reaches the dentin and irritates the nerve, that it’s typically temporary, and that overuse risks enamel and gum damage. Cleveland Clinic¹ says temporary tooth and gum sensitivity is common and tends to go away quickly, and suggests taking breaks or switching to a milder product if you have discomfort. See sensitive teeth.

On results, the ADA² says yellow teeth respond well, brown teeth poorly and gray-toned teeth not at all, and that dental restorations won’t whiten. Cleveland Clinic¹ says not to expect drastic changes from fairly dark teeth to bright ones.

What to skip

Cleveland Clinic¹ advises against home remedies such as charcoal or apple cider vinegar, and never using household hydrogen peroxide. It says people with brown or gray discoloration, gum disease or cavities should address those first. See bleeding gums and preventing cavities.

The play

Try this: a stain check before you buy

List what stains your teeth: coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, medicines.

Ask your dentist at your next visit about whitening, which tooth color you have, and whether a cleaning or a custom tray would suit you better than store products.

If you buy over the counter, look for the ADA² Seal, and follow the directions.

When to get checked

The ADA² says dentist consultation is critical before starting treatment. Cleveland Clinic¹ says to consult your dentist first and follow product instructions carefully.

Book an appointment if any of these fit:

• Your teeth are brown or gray
• You have crowns, fillings or other restorations
• You have gum disease or cavities
• Your teeth are already sensitive
• A whitening product causes pain or gum irritation

Whiten the teeth you have, after the dentist has checked them.