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Tue Apr 18, 2006 4:40 pm |
I was wondering about over the counter tooth whitening and if it is safe for everyone or if you need to get approval from your dentist first? Is it safe if you have any gum problems or sensitivity or anything? Do you need to wait until right after a check up to make sure you have no cavities?
This is what Dr. Weil says on it:
"Another concern: there’s a chance that the bleach could travel through a deep cavity to a tooth’s root and set off a toothache or trigger an infection. Bleaching could also result in some soft-tissue shrinkage among people with periodontal disease. Beyond that, we don’t yet have long-term safety data on these products."
But yet then almost everyone is doing it and there are no warnings on the products or about them, and I don't hear dentists being alarmed by them in proper general use (not overuse).
I really want to whiten my teeth now and don't want to wait until my next dental visit. What has been your experience with it?
Also, is there anything with it like if you don't do it exactly even enough you will get blotchy results like you do with self-tanning creams and blotchy streaks?
I read about the Eardrop alternative on here. Yet being that 10% carbomer peroxide is equal to about 3.5% hydrogen peroxide, and the eardrops are only 6% carbomer peroxide, why not just use straight drugstore 3% hydrogen peroxide for only like 70cents. Seems like it would be stronger. Since 6% carbomer is probably only like 2% hydrogen peroxide, as opposed to 3% straight hydrogen peroxide. I also was interested in the GoSmile 7 day kit. Any experience with that and results? |
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Wed Apr 19, 2006 2:30 am |
Bump! |
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Mabsy
Moderator
Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Posts: 9644
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Wed Apr 19, 2006 2:53 am |
I've used a few different tooth whitening products over the years - including dentist-only ones and off-the-shelf ones as well. I have never felt the need to go see a dentist before starting an off the shelf one, but I rarely finished any of them as they made my teeth too sensitive. The only one I could get through was the GoSmile.
Do keep in mind that if you have any tooth fillings, they would have been matched to the colour of your teeth at the time they were done. Hence, if you whiten your teeth your fillings may stand out more. |
_________________ 45, NW20, combination skin |
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Wed Apr 19, 2006 2:57 am |
I use the GyOxide (I think this is what its called) when I brush my teeth. I haven't noticed any sensitivity. It's cheap, check Walmart I think I purchased some for less than $5.00.
If you near a Sephora, ask for some samples of the GoSmile. I never walk out of a store without a couple of ampules!
Good Luck! |
_________________ 46 yrs old, I live at the beach and love being out in the sun. |
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Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:31 am |
Home whitening kits can make your teeth hyper sensitive. How about using a whitening toothpaste but one that's not too abrasive. I use a gentle one which might only be over here in the UK, Sensodyne gentle whitening. My dentist says never do DIY home whitening, but then again, he probably just wants my money! |
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Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:44 am |
I use a whitening mouthwash. I forget the brand name right now, think it's Listerine or something basic, but it's a white bottle and should be available in any drugstore in the mouthwash section.
You actually use it BEFORE you brush, and it creates a nice foam. The results aren't dramatic, but it does help a little. Then again, I've never seen dramatic results with any at-home whitening kits.
Depending on the degree of your needs and if you're serious about it, I'd say to probably go to a dentist. It's something I will consider for myself in a few years, but for now the at home stuff is fine. |
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Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:08 am |
I used the eardrops alternative and it worked really well. I don't know about the hydrogen peroxide though. |
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Sat Dec 14, 2024 1:49 am |
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