Should you use teeth whitening strips? Dentist's opinion

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 method do you recommend?

The choice will primarily depend on the problem with which the visitor came to the pharmacy. If yellowness is associated with food, bad habits or insufficient hygiene, a pharmaceutical specialist may advise changing the usual paste to a whitening one and additionally offering mouth guards, gels, pencils or strips for use once a week or a short course (the course depends on the type of product).

It is also worth warning that the effect of home whitening will always be less pronounced than that of professional whitening. This will help eliminate objections in the future and prevent the formation of inflated expectations from the procedure. It is better to recommend products from the same series and line, since they usually complement each other and are compatible in composition.

When consulting, it is imperative to clarify whether the patient has caries, whether teeth have been restored or dentures have been installed. If you have cavities or black staining, it is important to recommend seeking help from a dentist. It is also necessary to refer the patient to a doctor if there is a suspicion of diseases of the internal organs, for example, liver diseases, diabetes, oncology, etc. You can assume this problem in a person by asking questions. If previously the color of the teeth was one, but then changed and other symptoms are observed: pain in a certain area, itching of the skin, excessive urination or sweating, etc., in this case it is definitely recommended to refer the patient to a doctor.

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.

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.

Why do teeth change color?

In order to properly conduct a consultation, a pharmacist or pharmacist must find out the cause of the defect. Dentists identify a number of factors that change the color of teeth:

1. Consumption of certain foods and drinks that contain natural or artificial colors: blueberries, chocolate, beets, black tea, coffee, dark juices, etc.
2. Bad habits. Smoking and chewing tobacco gives an unsightly yellow tint and spoils the overall condition of teeth.
3. Insufficient hygiene. Improper and irregular tooth brushing is the main factor in changing the shade of dentin
4. Caries and other dental diseases;
5. Internal causes: lack or excess of fluoride, metabolic disorders, genetic diseases
6. Fillings and restorations
7. Aging. Dentin turns yellow with age
8. Taking medications: tetracycline, iron and others
9. A combination of several reasons.

A pharmacist or pharmacist can help with the first three reasons. If systemic or dental diseases are suspected, the visitor should be advised to consult a doctor.

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.

Consulting algorithm

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Interested in the article? You can find out even more in the section Working in a pharmacy

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 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.

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.

What teeth should be naturally?

We can list many examples that were considered a trend at one time, but at the same time were harmful to health. For example, women's corsets, which squeezed the internal organs so that they took away their breath and disrupted the functioning of the internal organs. The situation with teeth is approximately the same. Dentists confirm that our human smile is not snow-white by nature, but yellowish. This is normal and indicates oral health.

Despite popular belief, the enamel that covers the tooth is almost transparent and not white. Beneath it is dentin, the main tissue of the tooth, which naturally has a yellowish tint. It is this that “shines through” the enamel and gives it its characteristic yellowness. And most importantly, this shade indicates the health of the teeth, their strength and resistance to caries. If a person’s teeth are naturally too white, this indicates poor enamel mineralization and requires treatment.

Therefore, the first thing when consulting a visitor with the problem of yellow teeth is to determine whether the problem is acquired or whether it is a habitual condition of the teeth.

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.

Likely consequences

Some people want to get instant results and therefore use a pencil very often, which should not be done. This can cause destruction of tooth enamel. In some cases, even compliance with the dosage can lead to the following consequences:

1. Exacerbation of tooth sensitivity. This feature is indicated in the instructions of many manufacturers. The aggravation of sensitivity during secondary use becomes especially unpleasant. This can be eliminated by using special toothpastes designed for sensitive teeth.
2. Destruction of enamel. Occurs with excessive use when there are cracks or caries on the teeth. Using a pencil will only make the situation worse.
3. Conditional lightening of enamel. Manifests itself in the ineffectiveness of the result or insignificant effect. Then professional whitening is necessary, coffee and smoking must be eliminated.

A pencil is called a medical product, not a cosmetic product. Therefore, it is important to follow the instructions to prevent negative consequences.

Minuses

In addition to the advantages, bleaching agents also have disadvantages:

1. The enamel layer is reduced. This usually occurs if you do not consult a dentist before procedures.
2. Sensitivity increases. Teeth become highly susceptible to irritants.
3. Inconvenient to use. Although the product is compact, not everyone can hold their mouth open for 1-10 minutes.
4. Unpleasant sensations appear. Hydrogen peroxide can be harsh, which is why many end the procedure early.