How to Safely Use a Tooth Whitening Gel at Home

It's natural to be curious or concerned about what's in dental whitening gel and how it works. Whitening gels have bleaching ingredients and are safe for most teeth. Most gels contain hydrogen peroxide and several other added ingredients to improve the product's performance and flavour.

• Carbamide Peroxide and Hydrogen Peroxide
  According to Health Link BC, carbamide peroxide is a common bleaching agent used in different strengths in teeth whitening products. It's a source of hydrogen peroxide, which bleaches teeth through a reaction with existing stains, changing their chemical structure to remove discoloration. Bleaching based agents work by changing the colour of the tooth enamel removing surface stains and those deeper in the teeth, notes My Heath Alberta.
• Slow-Acting and Quick-Acting Whitening Gels
  Dentists can supply carbamide peroxide as a slow-acting bleach for you to use at home. During an initial appointment, your dentist takes an impression of your mouth and at a follow-up appointment, you receive whitening trays and whitening gel to apply in the trays regularly at home. In-office whitening treatments generally contain higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, up to 35%. This makes the process faster than at-home whitening, but can also cause more sensitivity.
• Other Ingredients
  Many teeth whiteners include added ingredients to help decrease tooth sensitivity. Two common whitening gel ingredients are potassium nitrate and amorphous calcium phosphate, both shown to reduce sensitivity. Sensitivity after whitening is transient (temporary) and usually resolves on it's own according to Health Canada.

Dental whitening gels lighten teeth and remove stains effectively, but they aren't for everyone. The Ontario Dental Hygienists' Association notes that since children have more sensitive teeth than adults, they should not consider whitening until the tooth pulp is fully formed, and recommend consulting with a dental professional.

In fact, everyone should consult their dentist before using a whitening gel. Teeth with very dark stains, crowns or fillings might not have good results from over-the-counter dental whitening gel products. Your dentist can advise the best way forward.

Before starting a bleaching treatment with a tooth whitening gel, see your dentist. They can make a custom tray to fit neatly with the contours of your mouth and explain how to properly use a gel. For example, you always need to brush your teeth before applying the treatment gel. Depending on the product, you may need to wear the tray for a few hours during the day or overnight. Your dentist might recommend using the mouth tray for about two weeks to get the desired results. Be careful not to swallow any gel. Gently remove any residue that might be left on your teeth or gums with a cloth, a clean finger or a soft toothbrush, and then rinse your mouth well.

Some people have safety concerns about using whitening products. According to the ODHA, whitening may increase tooth sensitivity and irritate the gums. This can happen when the gel is used with an ill-fitting tray or applied incorrectly.

Both gum irritation and tooth sensitivity usually stop once you're done treating your teeth. The best way to help avoid and prevent these possible side effects is to whiten under the advisement of your dentist.

Using a whitening gel is a good way to make your smile brighter, so ask your dentist if you're a candidate for whitening. To help maintain a whiter smile, floss daily and brush twice a day with a whitening toothpaste. Keep up your regular dental appointments — the polishing action of a professional cleaning treatment is essential for fighting surface stains. With a little work, you can say goodbye to yellowing teeth and hello to a revitalized smile!