Best home teeth whitening gel: overview, composition, pros and cons

A snow-white smile is what people pay attention to when they first meet and at all subsequent meetings. With white teeth freed from plaque and caries, health begins.

There are many ways to lighten enamel into several tones, including expensive procedures in dental clinics and cheap powders based on vitamin C, which, due to their composition, cannot lighten teeth by more than 1-2 tones.

To achieve a more noticeable result at home, teeth whitening gel will help.

What are whitening gels

Teeth whitening gel is a cleaning agent that, due to its specific chemical composition, releases enamel from plaque, which, in turn, creates a dark color, and is also a favorable breeding ground for different species bacteria. Most gels have a mint flavor, do not settle in the mouth, wash off easily and are suitable for people of all ages.

However, it is important to understand that whitening gels practically do not have any inhibitory effect on the vital activity of microorganisms. There are many other drugs for this. As for lightening the enamel by several tones, then this gel for teeth is quite capable of handling it.

The main components of the composition

The principle of operation of teeth whitening gels is directly based on their chemical composition. The main active ingredient in almost all products is hydrogen peroxide. It destroys the plaque left on the teeth by food debris, eliminates the effects of bad habits and poor-quality oral care.

However, hydrogen peroxide in its pure form is also capable of irreparably destroying enamel, therefore, in the composition of gels, the main active component is diluted with other substances. Some products, such as Colgate Simply White Night, contain carbamide peroxide instead of hydrogen peroxide. This is a more gentle component, which acts less aggressively, therefore, the results after its use appear much later. However, carbamide peroxide protects the gums from bleeding, and teeth from excessive sensitivity.

Other ingredients that whitening gels contain:

1. Abrasive substances. Most often, they are played by baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). However, dentists disagree about this substance. Some believe that abrasive substances only enhance the already aggressive effect of hydrogen peroxide and are very harmful to enamel. Others believe that sodium bicarbonate is contained in gels in such a small amount that it cannot harm the tooth enamel. We recommend that you choose products that do not contain baking soda.
2. Calcium and fluoride. These components in the composition perform a kind of protective function. They reduce the aggressive effect of peroxide without interfering with enamel cleaning.
3. Acids. Different types of acids are the component that negatively affects not only the teeth and oral cavity, but also the whole body as a whole. Therefore, if any acids are present in the product you have chosen, refuse to purchase it.

Advantages and disadvantages

Teeth whitening - This is a procedure that requires a competent approach, since no matter how it is carried out, it is very important to observe the proportions of the active substances. The use of specialized gels is only one way to brighten enamel, and it, like others, has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Teeth whitening with gel has the following advantages:

• a wide range of products - you should not choose those that contain acids, you also have the opportunity to choose the main active ingredient - hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide;
• affordable price - professional whitening procedure in dental clinics it is very expensive, but if you do not see the difference, then why pay more, so you can buy whitening gels at a price of 200 to 1500 rubles;
• a noticeable result with a relatively short course of treatment - lightening of the tooth enamel by 1-2 tones is noticeable after 2 weeks, and then more;
• whitening of tooth enamel for a maximum of 5-6 tones;
• the possibility of using gels for both adults and children.

disadvantages

There are also a number of disadvantages:

• with inappropriate use, as well as in the presence of any contraindications, damage to the enamel is possible due to the presence of small cracks, or other defects;
• negative impact on the mucous membrane in the oral cavity in case of accidental ingestion;
• negative effects on the esophagus in case of ingestion of the substance;
• the occurrence of possible allergic reactions (to avoid this, it is enough to carefully read the composition of the drug).

Of course, even high-quality teeth whitening gels have their drawbacks, however, with careful use and prior consultation with a specialist (if necessary), you can easily and calmly brighten the enamel precisely thus.

Comparative characteristics of popular funds

Comparative table of teeth whitening gels from leading manufacturers:

Manufacturer	Advantages	disadvantages
«Global white»	whitening even hypersensitive teeth; noticeable result after 7 days of use; prevents the growth of bacteria.	severe damage to the mucous membrane in case of contact with it; short-lasting whiteness and the need for frequent reuse.
"R.O.C.S. pro "	the unique formula of the combination of components protects the tooth enamel; not damages the mucous membrane even if accidentally hit; freshens breath for a long period.	manifestation of the result after a month of use; high price; must be used several times a day.
Colgate simply white	brightens the enamel without damaging it, alreadyafter 14 days of use; no need to wait for drying; brightens even dark yellow spots.	high price; not recommended for children.
Plus white 5 minute bleach whitening gel	the result lasts for a whole year; it is enough to use only 5 minutes and once a day; does not damage mucous membranes even when injected, due to neutral ph.	quite high cost; lack of mouthguards in the package.
"White kiss"	provides gentle whitening; allows you to choose the most convenient method of whitening (you can find a pencil, stick and mouthguards in the package).	the risk of getting the drug on the mucous membrane due to loose aligners; a long procedure for applying aligners.

How to choose a really good gel

How to choose from the whole variety of tools the one that will really gently whiten even the most sensitive teeth, because the trial and error method in this case can be very unsafe? Tips for choosing the best products:

1. All focus on composition of the preparation. You should take into account the tolerance or intolerance of any of its components. Don't buy products that contain acid, and avoid suspiciously cheap gels.
2. Talk to your dentist. The attending physician, like no one else, will be able to choose the most effective and safe remedy.
3. Assess expectations. If you need to whiten your teeth for any event and you need a quick, but not long-lasting effect, this is one question. But it is quite another matter if you expect a long-term result and are ready to go for it for many months. For each case, you need to choose your own remedy.

Instructions for use

There are several ways to apply any whitening gel to tooth enamel:

1. Using a brush or toothbrush. On a brush or brush (may be included), you need to apply the product and distribute it over the enamel. Avoid contact with the gums and mucous membranes. You need to apply the product for the period of time indicated on the package, and then rinse off the product.
2. Applying with a tray. The mouthguard is filled with gel and placed over the teeth. Most often this is done at night, but no more than 8 hours.
3. With a special pencil.