Who doesn’t want whiter teeth? However, as you age, tooth enamel wears away and this can lead to discolouration, and teeth that are far from the pearly whites you want. As professional teeth whitening can be expensive, many people turn to over-the-counter whitening products such as teeth whitening strips. But do they work?

The safety and effectiveness of teeth whitening strips

Safe oral health care products usually have a seal of approval, saying they are safe. For example, the American Dental Association gives safe and effective products the ADA Seal of Acceptance. However, products that aren’t backed by science and that don’t meet strict guidelines, such as some products you can buy online, can cause dental problems.

Concerns around whitening strips

Most approved teeth whitening strips are backed by dentists. However, those that aren’t can cause issues such as:

Gum problems

Most over-the-counter whitening strips contain whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide. If these appear in products in unsafe levels, it can cause burning or irritation of the gums.

Sensitive teeth

Using whitening products more often than recommended can cause erosion of the tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and decay.

Patchy whitening

Some whitening strips aren’t large enough to cover all your teeth evenly and this can result in patchy whitening. Some teeth may end up whiter or less white than others. The same can happen if you don’t apply the strips properly.

What is a safe alternative to teeth whitening strips?

The Efero teeth whitening pen effectively removes stains, cleans teeth, and gives you a brighter smile. It does contain peroxide, though for your peace of mind, it’s in a dentist-approved formula. Keep it in your handbag or pocket for on-the-go touch ups. Repeat twice daily applications for 7 days then use for weekly top-ups for a whiter, brighter smile.

With the ability to remove smoking stains and freshen breath too, the pen is great value for money when you consider the expense of professional whitening treatments.

For more articles on oral health care and the products you need for a bright and healthy smile, check out the rest of our blog.

Want to know more about how you can get whiter and brighter teeth? Take a look at this article.