Confess! Have you used a commercial tooth whitener product?

[johnnie]

Poll question: Confess! Have you used a commercial tooth whitener product?

Inspired by the "power toothbrush" thread
This is for the over the counter products.

[terrya]

1. Aren't those products essentially bleach?

I've heard that they do a number on your teeth's enamel.

No, thanks. Never tried them...never will.

[johnnie]

2. I hear they can damage the enamel

Or whatever it is on your teeth. Although I have seen some people who have used them and they have no stains left.

[sui generis]

3. no, definitely not "bleach"

they are hydrogen peroxide mixed with urea and glycerin to thicken.

They do not do a "number" on enamel. When used as directed most teeth whitening products don't do anything but oxidize and break up pigment particles trapped in the enamel. Everybody who lives long enough accumulates pigments in the surface of their tooth enamel, and over time our teeth naturally get "yellower". We subconsciously associate very yellow teeth with poor hygiene and old age.

Overuse of teeth whitening compounds can cause other problems like abuse of any product can cause problems.

Some people expect to make their teeth aspirin white (which by the way is a relatively rare and unnatural human tooth color), and so can use a product to the point where it causes gum or other tissue irritation. The fact is that teeth whitening products are safe to use, and a reasonable means of sometimes dramatically improving one's appearance for relatively little investment.

[Pithlet]

4. Over whitening seems to be the trend, now.

Particularly Hollywood and on TV. I call it Chicklet Teeth. I think overly white teeth like that look hidious.

[Jessica]

5. I used the Crest Whitestrips for a while ...

And although they worked, they made my teeth extremely sensitive, especially to the cold. Also, while I had them on, I would get these sharp, shooting, electric-like pains in my teeth. So, I quit.

[scarlet_owl]

6. No. I really just don't care how white my teeth are.

Plus, those products are insanely expensive. It just seems like a money-making racket to me.

[Blue-Jay]

7. I prefer my lovely shade of green.

Ya gotta love coffee & cigs.

[Patiod]

8. Use whitesstrips sparingly

and have been pretty happy with the results.