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Over-the-counter tooth whiteners - Do they work?

Cosmetics companies have been anxious to profit for the great interest Americans have in whitening their teeth. Unfortunately, not only do the vast majority of over-the-counter tooth whiteners not work, but some of them actually damage the teeth.

Effective tooth whitening requires a fairly strong bleaching agent, such as a peroxide, that penetrates the teeth. It simply isn't safe to provide these materials over the counter. They need to be used with a dentist's supervision, because there are risks of damaging the teeth and gums if they aren't used properly.

Other over-the-counter whitener topics:

	Crest Whitestrips actually do whiten the teeth somewhat.
	Oral-B Rembrandt Whitening Strips work on the same principle, and they appear to also whiten the teeth somewhat.
	Whitening toothpastes do not whiten the tooth structure, they only remove stains.

 

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