While most people think of teeth whitening as a relatively modern trend, people have been whitening their teeth for centuries. Because removing yellow tooth stains can be done at home, many people wonder if teeth whitening strips are better than traditional teeth whitening. Taking it a step further, if the strips are better, they want to know why.
Why Whiten Teeth?
A dazzling smile can give you the confidence to smile more and make you feel better about yourself. Your overall appearance will look more polished, and that can lead to attracting more dates, nailing that once-in-a-lifetime interview, and closing more sales.
Traditional Teeth Whitening
Four common do-it-yourself methods of removing yellow stains are:
- Diluted hydrogen peroxide
- Oil pulling
- Baking soda
- Activated charcoal
These methods work slowly over time, and experts are still debating how safe they are. For example, if hydrogen peroxide is not diluted properly or is used too often, it can lead to gum damage. Activated charcoal can prevent the absorption of certain vitamins, minerals, and medications into the blood stream.
Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips offer several advantages over home remedies. Not only have they been stringently tested for safety, but the whitening agent is premeasured, and the strips assure that the chemicals are applied only where they are needed, limiting the exposure to other parts of the mouth. Strips may whiten teeth more quickly than traditional methods, and the little bit of cleaning agent you do taste is mild compared to such products as oil or charcoal.
Strips are also convenient. They are designed and packaged to fit the average-sized mouth, and most are nearly invisible when applied. While the active ingredient is working, you can continue talking on the phone, watching a movie, or driving to work.
Professional Cleaning
On the other end of the spectrum, you can pay a dentist to do a professional whitening job for you. While they are purported to provide even faster results and more whitening power, there are no guarantees, and many dentists will send you home with a whitening strip kit to continue treatments. The biggest drawbacks to the professional job are the need to schedule an appointment, which may be set weeks out; and the cost, which can be more than a house payment.
While there are cheaper traditional methods to whiten teeth, whitening strips offer the optimal balance of affordability, convenience, and safety. You can find your next kit at Discount Health Products.
