What are the Safest Teeth Whitening Ingredients?

It's understandable why the teeth whitening procedure has gained so much popularity around the world these days. In San Francisco, California, many dentists there offer this service to help clients fulfill their wishes. People want to have a great smile and with whiter teeth, one can surely make heads turn anywhere they go. An attractive smile spells the difference.

But before you decide to undergo teeth whitening in San Francisco, it wouldn't hurt to do a little research about it and the active ingredients used by dentists. Learning about teeth whitening will also enlighten you on the various ways available today and help you decide which option is right for your budget.

Common ingredients
Unaware to many of you, one of the active ingredients used in making teeth whiter is hydrogen peroxide. With a concentration ranging from nine to 40 percent, this is normally used in an in-clinic procedure because it acts fast and therefore takes less time to whiten the teeth.

The hydrogen peroxide agent is more preferred by dentists but for home teeth whitening, carbamide peroxide is the most commonly used. This ingredient is slower acting being just one-third of the strength of hydrogen peroxide. However, it still breaks down to hydrogen peroxide.

It is highly recommended that you consult your dentist in San Francisco before undergoing any teeth whitening procedure. Your dentist should be able to enlighten you on what the process involves, how much it costs and any possible side effects in the long term.

Side Effects
Although the use of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are safe, it can cause some serious side effects. Teeth sensitivity may be an initial effect but can only be experienced for a short time lasting for a day or a few days. After the procedure, the teeth may become sensitive to touch, pressure and temperature as an effect of the use of highly concentrated bleaching solution. Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, though, can solve the problem.

Another common effect is gum irritation for several days. This can result from the whitening solution or from contact with the trays used during the process.

Getting Technicolor teeth is also very possible. This is an effect that people with restored teeth can get. In other words, since porcelain veneers, bonding and dental crowns don't become whiter with the use of bleaching agents, they maintain their color which differs from the whitened teeth.

Also, this procedure is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women. On the other hand, those with recessed gums and cracked teeth should have their teeth repaired first if possible as the whitening solution can lead to further teeth sensitivity.

It is important to note, however, that you consult with a reputable and licensed dentist in San Francisco to ensure your safety and your desired results. Preparing your budget is an important step to take as well because the procedure, especially when done in several sessions, can be quite costly.


In a city like San Francisco, cosmetic dentistry is a popular trend nowadays. It's an attraction to people who are very conscious of their looks and those who want to boost their confidence.