Teeth whitening recommendations?

Toothsmith

Using something as abrasive as bicarb neat is silly enough. But using 6% peroxide in your mouth is just plain stupid.

Then coming onto a forum and (under the cover of anonymity) recommending it to all and sundry and 'promising' it will whiten teeth is completely irresponsible!

There are peroxide dental mouthwashes - but they are 1-1.5%

Dental whitening does use gels of about 3% - but you have to be exceptionally careful not to get this gel on your gums for fear of chemical burns. Which is why it's only legal for qualified dentists to prescribe such treatments.

If you have got away with using 6% around your mouth with no major trauma so far - then you have been exceptionally lucky. But why not post your name and address so that those who follow your 'recommendation' and end up badly damaged can take it up with you?

I hope guides soon remove your post - and when they do they can remove this one too.

Dill

We don't have anybody's name and address who posts on here. The official line is to exercise caution when taking advice, or words to that effect. However it contradicts itself somewhat when it says that they (MSE) can be held liable for what people post.

A system like this one, where MSE has specifically given somebody permission to post in the capacity of their profession/occupation, would help sort the experts from the non-experts. However I think they prefer to keep a level playing field on here as regards who advises on dental or medical matters, or at least officially

[Deleted User]

Who do you think you are speaking to in that tone Toothsmith you obviously have a vested interest in the subject. I did not recommend anyone using 6% if you read my post. It does whiten your teeth - fact. I have been doing it for years, as have many thousands of people and dentists alike. It is what is used in dental whitening products. The dentist gives you a gel containing a solution of hydrogen peroxide, with whitening trays to use at home - no different to what I have just said. The most toxic thing you can put in your mouth is flouride. Seriously, I don't mind someone politely educating me, but you are just plain rude, don't bother replying to this, i'm done talking to you.

EDIT: Just checked on my bottle of hydrogen peroxide - that I bought over the counter in Boots - that it is suitable for use as a mouthwash - maybe you need to have a word with them

brook2jack

6% hydrogen peroxide is recommended as a mouthwash only when diluted with water , five parts water to one of hydrogen peroxide. Which makes it 1 to 1.5%. concentration.

The reason why using neat 6% hydrogen peroxide is a bad idea (apart from the risk of burns) is particularly in smokers, drinkers and people with other high risk lifestyle habits , is it makes it more likely someone will develop oral cancer. This is a particular problem if you use it in high concentrations on a regular basis which is why the European union limited its use to low concentrations and under dentist supervision.

Oral cancer is increasing in incidence and younger and younger people are suffering from it. More people die each year from oral cancer than from cervical cancer

Gum shields are used because its a gel dentists use, not a liquid , and it is normally carbamine peroxide not hydrogen peroxide so it is a more controllable effect over a longer time period, and only a small amount in a tight fitting gum shield is used so no peroxide should come into contact with the gums and other soft tissues. The whitening is done for a few weeks only under professional supervision and the effects last years.

Salt or bicarbonate of soda removes stains by rubbing them off. What rubs stain off will also eventually wear enamel away as well , leading to sensitivity and irreversible damage.

[Deleted User]

Yes it is diluted. I was just saying that hydrogen peroxide whitens teeth - it does - my post does say that 3% is recommended and also that people need to do their own homework. I haven't given specifics on its use - its up to individuals to check that. Here is a post from Colgate quoting the American Dental Association on limited use of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda - based on studies they have done. I guess we all have an opinion on things and I would never recommend people do anything without looking into it themselves. http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/teeth-whitening/article/SW-281474979369145

brook2jack

I have to say the advice in that link is incredibly irresponsible. Vinegar is basically acetic acid which will not only dissolve stains it will also dissolve enamel. http://www.thedentalgeek.com/2015/02/the-dark-side-of-the-apple-what-drinking-vinegar-means-for-your-mouth/


Coconut oil has no scientific evidence that it whitens teeth and indeed the advertising standards agency in the UK has placed sanctions on several companies who have tried to claim it does.
https://www.asa.org.uk/Rulings/Adjudications/2015/7/Cocowhite-Ltd/SHP_ADJ_296276.aspx#.Vwfma3p4WrU

The problems with bicarbonate and peroxide have already been discussed.

All of these methods can leave people with sensitive teeth and damaged enamel.

[Deleted User]

Yes vinegar is acidic - same as eating an apple - I do believe the advice is to brush teeth immediately after. You seem extremely defensive on this, having read back over your replies. Anything anyone says, there is always an alternative link out there, doesn't mean your right. I will leave you to your quest. au revoir

brook2jack

You believe wrongly about brushing . Never brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking anything acidic. All you are doing is brushing the acid into the enamel and wearing it away even faster. You should wait one to two hours after eating or drinking anything acidic https://www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/mouth-conditions/dental-erosion

Indeed if you are eating anything sugary you are best brushing before to reduce the plaque and then eating cheese to help neutralise the acid.

Dill

brook2jack wrote: »

More people die each year from oral cancer than from cervical cancer

That would make sense, given that only half the population have cervixes..

brook2jack

Actually it kills more people than cervical and testicular cancer combined and it kills more people each year than road traffic accidents http://www.mouthcancer.org/facts-figures/

It is getting more common and occurring in younger people.