The incredible popularity of tooth-whitening gel among USA citizens can be easily explained by the rather cheap price of this dental product, the fact that there is absolutely no need for professional in-office dental assistance, and certainly, the remarkable tooth-bleaching results it provides when compared with other at-home whitening systems.

Still, no matter what brilliant beauty tooth-whitening gel can grant your smile, you should follow special safety rules in order to avoid the long-awaited tooth-bleaching effect turning into a major oral cavity trauma. There are also certain professional recommendations which will help you to get the maximum bleaching effect from your tooth-whitening gel.

How Does Tooth-Whitening Gel Work?

Like any other whitener, tooth-whitening gel contains a special, powerful bleaching agent. Certainly, the solution is not as strong as the one used for professional whitening kits, not to mention, the in-office bleaching procedure. The concentration of the bleaching agent in tooth-whitening gel starts with 10% and never exceeds 35%. The active bleaching agent is usually hydrogen peroxide or its less aggressive version, carbamide peroxide.

The first chemical compound is by far the most popular bleaching agent widely used in the numerous tooth-whitening gel-based kits. Still, its concentration is much lower than the one used during in-office tooth whitening procedures to minimize the possible side-effects. The best application duration for such tooth-whitening gel must not go beyond the one-hour mark. Moreover, it is highly advisable to get your at-home bleaching with hydrogen peroxide occasionally monitored by a dental care professional.

In its turn, carbamide peroxide is a considerably more user-friendly tooth-bleaching agent. As well as being not that strong, it features the obvious advantages of being gentle and highly shelf-stable. The wearing time of such tooth-whitening gel starts at 30 minutes and can reach the overnight period, depending on the level of concentration of the bleaching agent. Even though this type of tooth-whitening gel does not require special professional dental supervision, the reasonable precautions outlined below must still be taken.

Sometimes, tooth-whitening gel comes together with dental trays and a special pulsating light the manufacturer supplies to enhance the best power of the bleaching agent.

What Are the Different Types of Tooth-Whitening Gel?

Whitening gels differ not only in terms of the bleaching agent they use and their concentration levels, but also the different application modes they feature. This information is essential to be able to compare all the tooth-whitening gel kits available nowadays in order to get truly the best product.

Although absolutely any type of tooth-whitening gel is supposed to be applied directly onto the teeth, some of them come with a special brush, but this application method is rather messy. That is why the less cheap ones are equipped with special trays or even feature a pencil-like shape for greater convenience and safety of application.

What is more, some tooth-whitening gel-based kits come with such perks as special teeth-shades palette and vitamin E oil plus brush-ups required to protect the gum line and lips. A considerably greater proportion of bleaching gels feature oxidizing agents in their kits. Finally, certain brands are equipped with mouth guards or just plastic strips to ensure protection of your tooth enamel and oral cavity soft tissues.

How Can I Ensure the Safe Application of Tooth-Whitening Gel?

The main concerns around tooth-whitening gel are linked to potential teeth sensitivity resulting from damage to their enamel and burns of major oral cavity soft tissues or even lips. That is why it is essential to carefully follow all the instructions the manufacturer supplies with your tooth-whitening gel in order to avoid the whitener overdose as well as its overly frequent or prolonged use.

In addition, thoroughly protect your gum and lips against the whitener getting onto them. The overwhelming majority of whitening gels include special protective strips, shields, or gum line oxidating agents to ensure the safe use of tooth-whitening gel. Still, sometimes, teeth sensitivity or gum line irritation occurs as a result of the application of poorly fitting trays.

When Should I Avoid Using Tooth-Whitening Gel?

Any aggressive teeth whitening procedures must certainly be avoided by pregnant and breast-feeding women. It is also not the best idea to use tooth-whitening gel for persons under the age of sixteen. Finally, individuals with increased teeth sensitivity, not to mention periodontal disorders and defective dental restorations and any related concerns, should consult with their dental care provider prior to application of even mild tooth-whitening gel.

How Should I Get Prepared for the Tooth-Whitening Gel Application?

To start with, it is essential not only to brush, but also to floss your teeth prior to starting the teeth whitening procedure. In addition, make sure your teeth are dry before you actually apply your tooth-whitening gel onto their front surface.

Remember to brush your teeth with your regular toothpaste and rinse your mouth after you take the whitener off.

How Long Should I Keep the Tooth-Whitening Gel on My Teeth?

To start with, the wearing period of tooth-whitening gel differs greatly from one bleaching kit to another. Those with a lower whitening agent concentration can even be worn overnight, whereas strong bleaching gel must be removed from your teeth at most 30 minutes after its application.

Some gels are to be applied onto your teeth for up to fourteen days or even a month (!) in a row, while others should never be used oftener than once in a week. So, carefully read your tooth-whitening gel instructions to avoid teeth sensitivity, oral cavity soft tissue burns, or even more serious complications.

Finally, remember to consult with your dentist prior to the application of tooth-whitening gel, regardless of the whitener type and concentration levels of active bleaching agent you opt for.