Teeth whitening kits work exactly as they sound. They will strip out the stains on the surface of your teeth so that you would be more confident about your pearly whites again.
The non-prescription whitening product industry is a large market. According to the report, the sector has a compound annual growth rate of 4%, hitting about $6 billion by 2025. So, it is easy to understand what manufacturers are ready to jump on the bandwagon.
The important question for the consumer is, do teeth whitening kits work as advertised? The simple answer is yes. However, you have to temper your expectations. It is not a magic cure for years of abuse or aging. The results may vary from individual to individual, especially if the discolouration is due to cigarettes, alcohol, or neglect.
The truth is, your teeth will stain or get darker as you age. It is the natural cause of aging, similar to how your hair turns white. If you see grandparents flashing perfect white teeth, you can be sure that they are not all-natural.
Some of the ingredients you will read in a particular kit include:
- Propylene Glycol
- Glycerin
- Triethanolamine
- Peppermint oil
- Carbomer 940
- 9% Carbamide Peroxide
- Papain
- Bromelain
- Activated charcoal powder
- PVP
- Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
- Stevioside
Some people may be sensitive to some of the ingredients contained in the whitening kit. If so, they should talk to their dentist.
Quick tip: Most of the products out there contain bleach to whiten your teeth. While it is safe in small doses, it is dangerous in the hands of an irresponsible manufacturer.
Home Kits vs. Dental Visit
Both methods work to whiten your teeth, but if you had to guess, which one is more expensive? Teeth whitening kits are very affordable, and you can use them multiple times. You still have to make several visits to your dentist to achieve that winning smile. Just compute how much you are paying for each session and you get the idea of the cost.
But not all dentists are licensed to do so. They need to show a certification from the General Dental Council before adding this service to their practice.
How to Use
Each teeth whitening kit comes with directions that are fairly easy to follow.
- Generally, you apply the mouth tray that is mounted to the device (blue light).
- Place the mouth tray into your mouth. You power it on until the light will turn off after about 10 minutes.
- Rinse with water and you can immediately see the results.
Of course, everything that is done in excess can be harmful to your teeth. But you can avoid potential damage by sticking to the manual.
Do not be swayed when your dentist will not officially recommend that you use teeth whitening kits. After all, their recommendations must align with the policies of the American Dental Association.
Conclusion
In the end, there is no substitute for good oral hygiene. If you are not brushing your teeth properly for years, do not expect any miracle from teeth whitening kits in the market today.
Besides, you also have to take care of your gums. Even if you have bleach-white teeth, you cannot prevent them from falling off if you have diseased gums. So, do not forget to brush your teeth at least twice a day, use mouthwash, avoid caffeine, cigarettes, or illegal drugs to avoid discolouration.