Should you use teeth whitening strips? Dentist's opinion

Author of the article:

Soldatova Lyudmila Nikolaevna

Candidate of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Clinical Dentistry of the St. Petersburg Medical and Social Institute, Chief Physician of the Alfa-Dent Dental Clinic, St. Petersburg

We all want to get results without spending much effort, and we also want to understand whether it is harmful or beneficial. Therefore, the opportunity to quickly and easily make a snow-white smile attracts many people. Accordingly, manufacturers are adapting to the needs of the audience by producing a variety of convenient devices for home use. One of the most popular is a special whitening pencil.

There is no doubt that it is very cool to use, but numerous consumer reviews indicate the ambiguity of the method. Let's figure out how to use a teeth whitening pencil and identify the pitfalls.

Key Features of Whitening Pencils

• a teeth whitening pencil is a transparent substance, usually of a gel-like consistency, the main active role of which is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide,
• the whitening composition is placed in a special container that looks like a small bottle for mascara, lipstick, or a marker or felt-tip pen,
• The product from the bottle is applied to the enamel using the included brush or dispensing sponge. The liquid is evenly distributed over the front surface of the teeth; in most cases it is not necessary to wash it off,
• You can purchase a gel pencil for teeth whitening at a pharmacy or through an online store.

Which one is better to choose?

The choice of whitening products is very wide. To choose the best option, use these tips:

• Check reviews online before you buy anything.
• Give preference to the most popular brands.
• For home use, you should not choose pencils that contain too high a concentration of the active substance.
• Don't focus only on price. More expensive is not always better.

We can conclude that it is not recommended to use whitening pencils too often. It is better to pay the same money to specialists and get a guaranteed result without harm to the enamel.

Components that are included in the composition

Regardless of brand or brand, all whitening sticks contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Only other components and additives can differ in the compositions from different manufacturers: enamel-strengthening minerals and elements (calcium, fluorine, phosphorus), flavorings for fresh breath with the smell and taste of mint and fruit.

The peroxide content usually ranges from 5 to 15%. This concentration is considered to be as safe as possible for enamel, but, of course, only if you have no contraindications to the use of such products.

On a note! Doctors recommend choosing pencils that contain carbamide peroxide. It acts a little slower than hydrogen peroxide, but its effect on gums and hard tissues is softer and more gentle.

Operating principle

Tooth enamel has a porous structure and microcracks into which food coloring substances - chromogens - penetrate. Penetrating into the dentin, these microparticles form pigmented areas on it that differ in color from the rest of the surface of the crown. The effect on darkened areas of dentin occurs due to the active components of the gel.

The gel used in the bleaching agent may consist of the following components:

• Hydrogen peroxide, concentration 5 - 12%. When applied to enamel, it splits into oxygen, which penetrates the pores and brightens pigmented particles, and water, which removes them.
• Urea peroxide . It has a more gentle effect on teeth than peroxide due to the lower content of the active substance. Once on the enamel, this substance breaks down into urea and hydrogen peroxide, whitening the darkened areas.

In addition to the main active ingredient, the gel contains auxiliary ingredients - calcium, fluorine. They help reduce the aggressive effects of hydrogen peroxide, while simultaneously enhancing the effectiveness of whitening.

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Information about important contraindications

Can everyone use a teeth whitening pencil? The product is unsafe for people who have recently undergone surgery in the oral cavity (for example, tooth extraction), have acute inflammatory processes, wounds on the mucous membranes and gums, as well as untreated diseased teeth. It should not be used by those who have thin and sensitive enamel. In all of these cases, the discomfort will increase even more, dental problems will worsen, and tissues will begin to deteriorate.

Procedures should not be performed on pregnant and lactating women, as well as those under 18 years of age. People who are allergic to peroxide or other components included in the composition should not use the product. If you plan to undergo pencil whitening, you will need to remove the piercing from your mouth.

The product cannot be used if you have braces, as well as many crowns and fillings in the smile area. In this case, the effect will not live up to expectations, and the result will be disappointing, since the enamel will be colored unevenly. Artificial structures, fillings and crowns cannot be lightened using such means.

What about people with fluorosis, hypoplasia and tetracycline teeth? Will a pencil help change the color of the enamel in this case? No, the concentration of the active substance in it is too low to cope with such defects. Not even all office methods are capable of this. In addition, with these pathologies, hard tissues are very sensitive, and using a pencil without prior professional preparation for whitening can lead to dire consequences: pain, cracking and crumbling of the enamel.

Possible consequences

In an effort to achieve instant whitening, some people may become overzealous, using a special pencil almost hourly. Such erroneous actions can lead to tooth enamel starting to deteriorate within a couple of days.

In some cases, even precisely dosed use of bleach can provoke:

1. Increased sensitivity of teeth. This feature is mentioned in the instructions of most manufacturers of whitening products.
   It is especially unpleasant when sensitivity worsens with repeated use of the product. Using special toothpastes for sensitive teeth helps to cope with this.
2. Destruction of enamel. Along with excessive use, enamel destruction can occur if a person has cracks or caries in their teeth. The pencil will only aggravate the disease.
3. Conditional lightening of tooth enamel. It is expressed in the ineffectiveness of the result or the insignificant effect of the procedure. In this case, professional whitening, giving up coffee and smoking will help.

Important! Whitening pencil is a medical product, not a harmless cosmetic product. Failure to follow user instructions is unacceptable.

Rules for using whitening pencils

If you purchased a teeth whitening pencil, it will usually come with instructions on how to use it. Most products have a similar operating principle, so the rules of use are almost always the same:

• Brush or rinse your teeth to ensure no food particles remain in your mouth. Blot saliva from the enamel with a dry cloth.
• open the bottle and squeeze out the liquid so that it reaches the brush or dispenser in sufficient quantity,
• Distribute the product evenly over the front of your front teeth. Avoid contact of the drug with mucous membranes,
• soak the composition exactly as long as indicated in the instructions: on average 5-10 minutes. At this time, you should keep your mouth open in a smile,
• leave the remaining gel or rinse your mouth depending on what the instructions say,
• Avoid eating and drinking for 30-60 minutes.

The procedure must be repeated 1 to 2-3 times a day. Apply the composition in front of a mirror.

Review

Considering the different parameters, components and effectiveness of teeth whitening pencils from different manufacturers, only users can give a real assessment of these drugs.

By leaving your reviews about this or that whitening product at the end of this page, as well as sharing photos with tangible results or lack thereof, you will help other users make their choice.

If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl+Enter.

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Helpful Tips and Precautions

1. To minimize the risk of unpleasant consequences, consult your dentist before using the gel pencil. Perhaps, before the course of procedures, it will be necessary to cure diseased teeth and relieve inflammation on the gums and mucous membranes. Or maybe after a detailed examination it turns out that you have hypoplasia or fluorosis, in which this method will not work and will be dangerous. Then the doctor will offer alternative options for transforming your smile, for example, prosthetics with veneers and crowns, microabrasion, and composite extensions.
2. To get the best lightening effect, first undergo professional hygiene at the dentist. The doctor will remove bacterial plaque, level and prepare the enamel surface for further exposure to peroxide. Without this procedure, the result of 2-4 tones, which manufacturers of whitening pencils promise, is simply unattainable.
3. After the procedure, avoid drinking drinks and foods that contain bright dyes. Eat foods that are neutral in color: fermented milk, pasta, mashed potatoes, chicken, eggs. It is recommended to follow a “white” diet from the moment you first use the pencil and for 7-10 after the last procedure. You should also stop smoking.
4. Do not swallow bleach as it may cause gastrointestinal upset.
5. During use of the product and for two weeks after this, use a remineralizing calcium-containing or fluoride-containing enamel paste. This will strengthen hard tissues and make them less sensitive to external influences.
6. Strictly follow the instructions for using the teeth whitening pencil. Do not use the product more often or for longer than recommended.
7. Buy special mouthguards that will allow you not to strain your facial muscles and will ensure comfort while you wear the product on your teeth. Plus, some manufacturers indicate that the use of mouth guards will help improve the result, since they will allow you to keep the gel on the enamel in the right amount and for as long as required.

How to keep your teeth white longer

Depending on the technique used, the effect of professional whitening can last for more than one year. However, some patients return to the clinic after a few months for a repeat procedure. To ensure that your smile remains dazzling for a long time, doctors recommend adhering to the following rules:

• do not eat for 3 hours after teeth whitening, you can only drink clean water, then you must adhere to a special diet;
• Do not use a brush with hard bristles, as this will only increase sensitivity;
• purchase a paste without abrasive particles;
• rinse your mouth, use dental floss, and irrigator after each meal;
• Mouth rinses should not contain chlorhexidine (it stains teeth);
• follow a schedule of visits to the dentist for preventive examinations (at least once every six months);
• complete smoking cessation for 2-3 days, preferably for several weeks.

Special diet

To maintain the effect for a long time immediately after the procedure, you must adhere to a special diet. It is important to minimize the consumption of foods with bright colors. It is advisable to eat:

• porridge;
• dairy (but not fermented milk) products;
• fish and seafood;
• chicken, rabbit;
• egg white;
• white fruits and vegetables (such as bananas).

Along with eliminating food containing dyes from the diet, it is recommended to avoid coloring spices. This is turmeric, paprika. Dentists also do not advise eating smoked meats, citrus fruits, any berries, drinking coffee, black tea and alcoholic beverages.

Complications that may occur

If you use the product without taking into account contraindications and if the instructions are not followed, unpleasant complications may arise:

• allergic reaction: usually manifests itself in the form of rashes on the mucous membrane, itching, redness, and swelling of the tissues. But with an acute reaction and individual intolerance, it can lead to angioedema and anaphylactic shock,
• pain and discomfort, “ache” in the teeth, damage and irritation of the gums,
• cracks and chips of enamel,
• discoloration: if the whitening composition was used despite fillings and crowns in the smile area, braces.

Composition of Japan Stick gel

People are often surprised by the effectiveness of Japan Stick and want to know what is included in it. The manufacturer claims that all components are natural and have no side effects. They are completely safe for human health, so you don’t have to worry about your health. It is noteworthy that among the active substances there are no hydrogen peroxide and urea, which are of unnatural origin.

The gel reliably gets rid of yellow plaque and carefully eliminates the defect. It is noteworthy that the product is hypoallergenic, so even allergy sufferers can use it without fear. The only thing is to make sure that there is no individual intolerance to the components by first applying the gel to the skin of your hand. If there is no redness or itching within half an hour, then the product can be used in the mouth.

Quality certificates and clinical studies confirm the safety and effectiveness of Japan Stick. The gel will allow you to whiten your teeth at home and prevent the occurrence of serious diseases. It is important to follow the instructions in order to quickly achieve a positive result.

Obvious advantages and disadvantages of pencils

“It touches me when pencil manufacturers promise an effect of 5-6 tones. No matter how many different brands I have bought, they all lighten the color by a maximum of 1-3 tones for me personally. Therefore, do not even hope that after using it you will get a Hollywood smile, as in the photo on the Internet. And the result will not last long, even if you give up coffee, tea, beets, berries and red wine altogether. It lasts for 1-1.5 months, then the course must be repeated. But you can’t do it too often, otherwise your teeth will become like foil, just as thin!”

Buttercup, review from woman.ru

“Before this, I once tried to whiten my teeth with toothpastes from different price categories, but it always didn’t work out very well. Then I bought a pencil on an online sale for 700 rubles, and, you know, compared to paste, the effect is much better!!! I think that this is a completely worthy alternative when there is no money for whitening at the dentist. The only drawback: the composition is quite caustic, if it gets on the gums, it will hurt later and may even bleed.”

K.Lukina, review from 32top.ru

Clinical researches

Clinical studies have proven that regular use of professional toothpaste ASEPTA GENTLE WHITENING for a month allows you to lighten tooth enamel by 1.5 tones, increases anti-caries effectiveness by 3.4 times and increases enamel remineralization by 2.6 times.

Sources:

1. Report on determining/confirming the preventive properties of toothpaste “ASEPTA PLUS” GENTLE WHITENING” Author: doctor-researcher A.A. Leontyev, head Department of Preventive Dentistry, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor S.B. Ulitovsky First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I.P. Pavlova, Department of Preventive Dentistry
2. Report on the determination/confirmation of the preventive properties of personal oral hygiene products “ASEPTA PLUS” Remineralization doctor-researcher A.A. Leontyev, head Department of Preventive Dentistry, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor S.B. Ulitovsky First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I.P. Pavlova, Department of Preventive Dentistry
3. Clinical studies of antisensitive toothpaste “Asepta Sensitive” (A.A. Leontyev, O.V. Kalinina, S.B. Ulitovsky) A.A. LEONTIEV, dentist O.V. KALININA, dentist S.B. ULITOVSKY, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Prof. Department of Therapeutic Dentistry, St. Petersburg State Medical University named after. acad. I.P. Pavlova
4. Report on determining/confirming the preventive properties of commercially produced personal oral hygiene products: Asepta toothpaste used in combination with Asepta mouthwash and Asepta gum balm Head. Department of PFS Doctor of Medical Sciences Professor S.B. Ulitovsky St. Petersburg State Medical University named after Academician I.P. Pavlova. Faculty of Dentistry. Department of Preventive Dentistry.

Review of the most popular brands of pencils

Luxury White PRO (China)

This gel is very popular, despite the fact that it contains a completely unsafe concentration of carbamide peroxide - 35%. Promises an enamel lightening effect of 4-6 tones. To avoid complications, it is recommended to use this drug only after consultation with a dentist and thorough professional training.

Important! Dentists recommend that you pay attention to products that are manufactured in China, since often the information about products from this country indicated on the packaging is not true.

ROCS (Russia-Switzerland)

The product promises to easily deal with stains from coffee, wine, and cigarettes that have become ingrained into hard tissues. It must be used precisely, directly on the spots. The principle of operation of this pencil is slightly different from the previous and subsequent ones. ROCS operates using patented TSR-1010 technology. The pencil itself has two tips of different thicknesses and is coated with polishing microcrystals. The tips resemble a nail file in appearance. It is necessary to bring the end of the pencil to the enamel with the stain and clean it. The manufacturer warns that if the defect is not removed easily and without strong pressure, then it is better not to continue the experiment, but to consult a dentist.

Bright White (China)

Some sources indicate that the product is produced in the USA, but in fact these are just tricks of advertisers, thus increasing the degree of trust in the product. The composition has a mint aroma that freshens breath. The main active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of 12%. The pencil comes with a color scale, thanks to which you can evaluate the initial, intermediate and final results.

GLOBAL WHITE (Russia-Italy)

The product should not be used for longer than 14 days. The promised effect is up to 3 tones. The composition contains potassium nitrate and xylitol[1], which reduce the sensitivity of enamel and also increase its resistance to caries. There is a variety of gel on sale with the aroma and taste of “Fruit Mix”.

Amazing White Teeth Whitening Pen (USA)

This product is trusted by many because its manufacturer is the Amazing White company, which developed the professional whitening technology of the same name (today the procedure can be done in many dentists). The product freshens breath, not only whitens, but also remineralizes the enamel.

My Brilliant Smile (USA)

Contains glycerin, carbopol, peroxide, menthol. The brightening gel comes in a stylish pencil pen. Many consumers note that there is very little information about the manufacturer on the packaging, and not entirely complete instructions are provided. To have an effect, the product must be kept in the mouth for up to 30 minutes. When it gets on the tongue, mucous membranes and gums, the gel begins to sting and cause irritation. But, as buyers assure, it still has an effect, because the teeth become 2-3 shades lighter.

ICEBERG Professional Whitening (China)

Contains hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, menthol, carbopol. After application, the product must be kept in the mouth for 7-10 minutes, then it must be washed off with water. The manufacturer recommends using ICEBERG Professional Whitening once every two days, and promises maximum effect from use after 10 procedures.

MiBrite Luminite (USA)

This is a whitening pen. The main active ingredient in this product is carbamide peroxide at a concentration of 9%. The composition also contains potassium nitrate, silicon dioxide, peppermint oil and menthol. Thanks to the patented NanoBright Science formula, the pen not only whitens, but also strengthens hard tissues and prevents damage. One such pen is designed for 30 procedures (full course of use). The effect promised by the manufacturer is 2-5 tones on the Vita scale. For better and faster results, it is allowed to apply the composition up to 2-4 times a day.

SupremeDent (Russia)

Tested in the USA. The manufacturer promises that if you use SupremeDent for 14 days, your teeth will become crystal white, as they will change their shade by 4-5 tones. The product is suitable for sensitive enamel, and the results from its use will last up to 12 months, but, of course, only with proper oral care.

Teeth whitening: a brief educational program

Teeth whitening methods

Whitening methods can be divided into two types:

1. Professional whitening - you need to go to the dental clinic for it. This includes photo bleaching, chemical bleaching, ultrasound, and laser. These methods require medical knowledge, skills and special equipment. These are usually quite expensive procedures, but at the same time the safest and most effective. We would recommend them.
2. Home whitening. This includes both traditional methods and special modern means. We won’t talk about grandma’s methods like lemon peels and activated carbon, but we will dwell on various types of special equipment in more detail. These include:

• whitening toothpastes and powders . The very first and most common, but not the most effective option. Typically, these toothpastes and tooth powders act as abrasives, removing a thin layer of enamel along with plaque. In addition, there are very effective enzymatic and chemical whitening toothpastes. This method really helps to lighten your teeth, but it can seriously harm your health, so buy only good toothpastes and use them for no longer than a month;
• Mouth rinses are a good addition to toothpaste and generally a good thing for oral hygiene. The effectiveness of whitening, of course, is unlikely to amaze you, but mouth rinses act gently, fight germs, freshen breath, and maintain normal acid-base balance and humidity in the mouth;
• erasers for teeth are ordinary polyester erasers, only they need to be used to erase not pencil marks from paper, but stains from teeth. Quite a strange invention of a Chinese genius. Of course, an eraser will not help whiten your teeth for a long time, but it will remove the effects of drinking coffee or red wine;
• whitening varnishes - they do not so much change the tone of tooth enamel as simply paint over it. This is a quick, short-term method used when there is no time for thorough whitening. The varnish is erased, for example, by food, but it will still last one evening, so it can be used before an interview, a reunion or other important event;
• gels are not as effective as chemical whitening in the dentist’s office due to the lower concentration of the active substance, but they are cheaper, are not as dangerous if used incorrectly, and can be used at home. The gel is applied to the teeth using a brush: this must be done carefully, because if it gets on the mucous membrane it can cause serious irritation. Typically the course takes about two weeks. The most convenient format for producing gels is pencils. They are small, convenient, you can take them with you on a trip and use them on the road;
• Mouth guards are not so much an independent product as a way to enhance the effectiveness of the whitening gel. The trays are placed on the teeth before bed for an hour or two or even throughout the night. They can be either standard sizes - the main thing here is not to miss - or thermoplastic, that is, capable of taking the shape of your teeth after heating;
• strips - they are glued to the teeth using fixing compounds, and the agent with which the strips are impregnated is responsible for whitening. Just like mouth guards, the strips are usually applied before bedtime. Their advantage is that you can do household chores and not be distracted by the whitening procedure, which happens as if by itself. Quite effective, safe and inexpensive method.

Contraindications to teeth whitening

Since bleaching somehow affects the enamel, before using any product, pay attention to contraindications. General contraindications to teeth whitening include:

• children's age (up to 16 years);
• pregnancy, breastfeeding;
• any diseases of teeth and gums;
• increased sensitivity of teeth;
• enamel damage: chips, cracks, caries;
• allergy to the active substances of whitening products: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide;
• anomalies in the eruption of wisdom teeth;
• taking antibiotics and other medications that can affect the color of tooth enamel;
• oncological diseases.

In any case, before using bleaching products, read the instructions, and if you have any doubts, consult a specialist for advice.

How to maintain the result after teeth whitening with drugs from the pharmacy

Home whitening cannot provide as long-lasting results as professional procedures. Therefore, in order to keep your teeth white for as long as possible, after and during whitening, follow three simple rules:

• exclude coloring foods and drinks from your diet: coffee and tea, red wine, soy sauce, beets, carrots, berries;
• pay due attention to oral hygiene: brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day, use dental floss and mouthwash;
• stop smoking or at least reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.

Negative reviews of "Bright White"

Yulia, 30 years old: Teeth are generally a sore subject for me; there have always been some problems with them. And now, when they have already been completely treated, all that remains is to do teeth whitening. But it was a pity to spend money on this procedure; it’s not that cheap. Once I was talking to a friend, and she told me that her husband whitened his teeth this way, he just bought this product. I immediately started searching on the Internet and found that when the package arrived I was a little surprised that instead of 2 bottles there was only one. I never used it, so did I fall for a fake?

Elena, 38 years old: Bright White whitened my yellow teeth, but not enough. I would like it to be as white as they show in toothpaste advertisements. Apparently, this is not real, but so good...

Yana, 42 years old: Some real reviews disappointed me, I decided that the drug was a lie. Nevertheless, interest took its toll. And I bought it. And it’s good that I didn’t listen to anyone, now I have a beautiful smile, I’m happy. I didn’t like that they took so long to call back, I dialed 6 times just to place this order.

Real reviews of “Bright White”

Valeria, 25 years old: Well, it doesn’t smell like a scam here, I would say that you can only really get a better effect from a dentist. I liked Bright White, I would buy it again, because I really like coffee and smoke, I will use it from time to time.

Margarita, 33 years old: I really liked the result. I also ordered this for my husband. Ideal for those who want to whiten their teeth, but do not have the money for it. An excellent option and not expensive.

Veronica, 37 years old: Wow the effect! I was worried that the mouthguard would be uncomfortable to wear or that something would happen to my teeth. But I didn’t notice anything like that, I can only say positive things. Worth buying, definitely!!!

Attention! The only official dealer of Bright White sells only through its own website

There is currently a promotion going on - 50% DISCOUNT

How to use the product?

Before using the product, it is recommended that you read the instructions. The gel will need to be applied evenly over the entire surface of the incisors. It should not be left on the enamel longer than specified in the instructions. It is recommended to use the product for at least a week.

It is recommended to repeat the course from time to time in order to maintain the achieved result. People only need two tubes of Japan Stick per year to prevent caries and yellowing of enamel. That's why you don't have to spend a lot of money to keep your smile in excellent condition.