What You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening and the FDA
Learn where to find FDA-approved teeth whitening treatments
Most Americans look to the FDA for reassurance that the foods and medications they put into their bodies are safe. Any while you would not actually ingest a teeth whitening product, you might nonetheless wonder what the FDA has to say about them.
If, like many people, you simply assume that all products on the shelf at your local pharmacy are safe, you will be surprise to learn that:
Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Products are Not FDA-Approved
The teeth whitening products you can buy in the store contain lower levels of peroxide and other active ingredients compared to what you would receive in a dentist’s office. In fact, the levels are so low that these over the counter products are classified as cosmetics, not drugs. This means that they are not subject to the FDA and have not been reviewed or approved by that organization.
This is troubling because teeth whitening products contain more than just the peroxide or other active ingredient. But if the product has not been reviewed, how are we supposed to know all the ingredients are safe?
Recent research into another industry not subject to FDA regulation—namely the supplement industry—has shown that products seldom contained what was on the label. Often supplements were found to either not contain as much of the active ingredient as promised or else have additional off-label ingredients that could actually be dangerous to individuals with allergies or cause medication interactions.
If You Want Safe Teeth Whitening Treatments, Visit Your Dentist
If you don’t like the uncertainty that comes with using an over-the-counter teeth whitening product, you would be better off visiting the dentist for professional teeth whitening.
All teeth whitening products that dentist use are subject to FDA approval. This includes not only the peroxide gel but also any activation methods that are used, such as special lights.
Besides being safer, professional teeth whitening treatments are also more effective than over the counter products. Because they are administered under the care of an experienced dental professional, they contain stronger bleaching agents for a more dramatic improvement in the color of your teeth. Plus, the treatment is also more comfortable because rather than using awkward strips and trays, the whitening agent is carefully painted onto your teeth. Also, at the dentist, protection for your gums is provided to prevent irritation—a common compliant from at-home whitening product users.
Want Really Effective Whitening?
If you want to really improve the brightness of your smile, we recommend scheduling a dental cleaning before your teeth whitening treatment. This ensures surface stains will be scrubbed away, allowing the whitening agent to do more work on deeper stains. To make your appointment, contact one of our clinic locations today.
