The American Dental Association (ADA) considers carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide safe for whitening teeth, some people don’t want to use these chemicals because of two common side effects. Although the side effects aren’t life-threatening, they can be nuisances and uncomfortable.
Cons of Peroxide-Based Teeth Whiteners
The two common reasons people prefer not to use peroxide-based whiteners are that their gums become irritated or their teeth (nerves) become sensitive.
Gum Irritation
What is gingival irritation, more commonly known as gingivitis? Gingiva is an official medical term for the gums, so gingival irritation is any disturbance in their normal state such as redness, inflammation, swelling, and itching. Using peroxide-based oral care products, for some people, causes gingival irritation.
Teeth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect after using some peroxide teeth whitening products. Teeth whitening trays, for example, have a considerable amount of peroxide. Because you wear a whitening tray for several hours, some people report heightened sensitivity afterward. The ADA found around two-thirds of people who use teeth whitening trays note some form of sensitivity when first using. The good news is, the sensitivity subsides.
How To Whiten Teeth Minus Peroxide
Here are three alternatives to brightening your smile without using carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Before starting, visit your dentist to ensure you have no cavities, gum irritations, or underlying health issues that could be exacerbated by a tooth whitening procedure.
1. Prevention
Although not the most popular suggestion for whitening teeth, avoiding things that stain teeth can help keep your smile white. Yes, giving up your favorite coffee or fruit juice will be difficult, but doing so is a great natural way to whiter teeth.
If you can’t give up teeth-staining food and beverages, then you should at least rinse after meals and snacks with a brightening mouthwash containing fluoride. Be sure to also brush your teeth two times a day with fluoride-based whitening toothpaste.
2. Home remedies
Studies suggest that teeth dentifrices (pastes or powders like toothpaste) with baking soda are more effective at whitening teeth than products with no baking soda.
Baking soda on its own is not very tasty. Another study cited by the ADA supports the view that flavor matters to consumers when choosing toothpastes!
Baking soda is an excellent alternative to peroxide-based teeth whiteners. While baking soda isn’t as effective as peroxide, it can still remove stains from your teeth and brighten them one or two shades.
3. Mineral-based pastes and polishes
Some higher-end oral care products and teeth whitening gels offer alternatives to peroxide, plus they protect and remineralize enamel. Ingredients for these types of dentifrices include natural mineral crystals that remove discolorations from teeth.
To use a teeth-whitening gel, simply brush on your teeth, leave on for several minutes, then rinse. With regular, continuous use, mineral-based dentifrices can lighten teeth as many as 10 shades.
‘Natural’ Teeth Whiteners
You might find references to other home remedies to whiten teeth, including ingredients that are likely in your pantry. While people claim these methods work, they lack scientific evidence: apple cider vinegar, oil pulling, activated charcoal, and fruit slices applied to your teeth. The truth is, some of these practices can deteriorate tooth enamel.
The safest ways to whiten your teeth are the three we described in this article. First, avoid eating and drinking things that stain your teeth. Second, look for dentifrices that include baking soda. And last, upgrade your oral care routine by adding mineral-based toothpastes and rinses.
