If you have been on social media lately then you have probably been bombarded with over-the-counter, retail whitening systems. So what is actually in them, why are they so cheap and most importantly, do they really work!?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The most common ingredients found in your retail whitening systems are Sodium Bicarbonate, sodium chlorite, citric acid & menthol. Sounds chemically impressive right? Not really. To put it simply, these ingredients translate to – bicarb soda, disinfectant, orange/lemon juice and mint flavouring. All items from your kitchen cupboard! ⠀⠀⠀
What whitening system do we have here at dental clinic in Bentleigh East? And how do we know ours works? Apart from 25+ years of clinical data & studies, professional whitening has the active ingredient called Carbamide peroxide (or hydrogen peroxide) which penetrates the teeth and breaks down the yellow coloured molecules leaving a white smile. So without this ingredient, you are unable to remove discoloration and stains from your teeth.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Yes the retail systems are cheaper…but that’s because they are just made up of everyday household items. More importantly they are not as effective and safe as what your dentist can provide. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sources:
https://www.opalescence.com/en-us/pages/how-does-it-work.aspx
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-06/teeth-whitening-what-you-should-know/10207364
