Beware of home bleaching kits

Chicago Dental Society

CHICAGO--The August 1998 issue of the University of California Berkeley Wellness Letter warns its readers to skip the at-home tooth bleaching kits in favor of bleaching procedures conducted in the dental office. The warning, printed in the "Wellness made easy" section, reads as follows: "Don't try home tooth-bleaching kits. Sold in many drugstores, these contain ingredients that can injure gums and other soft tissue in the mouth, or can make you sick if you swallow them. It's much safer--and more effective--for your dentist to bleach your teeth in the office or to supervise an in-home treatment (after determining that your teeth are healthy). Before you opt for bleaching, bear in mind that it's natural for teeth to range in color from pale yellow to grayish--and that a brilliant white smile may look fake. Daily brushing and flossing can help limit many types of discoloration (tartar in particular tends to stain), as can professional cleaning." Tooth bleaching is by far the most popular in the range of cosmetic dental procedures. "Tooth bleaching is a relatively inexpensive process that can provide a much brighter smile and make you look younger and healthier without the big investment of plastic surgery," explains Paul Landman, DDS, a general dentist who practices in Chicago's Loop. "When done in the dental office, whitening can enhance a person's appearance and provide the wearer with an enhanced feeling of self-esteem." However, notes Dr. Landman, many patients try to cut corners by purchasing the do-it-yourself kits available in drug and grocery stores. "Of course, they are less expensive, but you get what you pay for," he says. "We see patients all the time who have tried the kits and come to us because they see no improvement in the color of their teeth. Or worse, we see patients who have injured their gums with these kits."

Dr. Landman says that when patients go to the dental office, they can consult with the dentist to determine the appropriate color and shade that is best for them, as well as helping select the appropriate whitening system. Some dentists use laser dental treatments, while most use bleaching systems that patients can use at home while they sleep. In these cases, dentists create a mouthpiece for each patient that holds the whitening solution; the specially made mouthpiece means there will be minimal chance of gum irritation. "Dentists are there to guide patients through the process and patients can ask us questions about whitening, how it works, when it is needed and what works best for them," he says. "The involvement of the dentist is crucial for the success of the procedure." Dr. Landman stresses that patients who are interested in whitening procedures avoid the overthe-counter products found in stores. "If you want it done right, consult with your dentist who can provide the best results and the least chance of oral irritation," he concludes.

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