DIY/OTC teeth whiteners

[culpeper]

Didn't want to hijack the thread on teeth x-rays, so here we go.

I recently took advantage of a special offer on teeth-whitening from a temporary booth in the local shopping centre. I thought this would be a better option than one of the DIY/OTC products on offer - if you read the labels, they'll tell you that you will only move up 2 shades whiter after 2 whole weeks of treatment. That compares very unfavourably with what a dentist can offer (albeit at several times the price!).

Well, after a single 20 minute treatment, my teeth ended up 9 shades lighter. BUT....

I also ended up with a mouthful of painful ulcers that required a dentist to treat.

Many people can have burning, usually an allergic reaction, to the hydrogen peroxide used in these treatments. If any of it escapes onto your gums, you can suffer horribly. HP is REALLY bad for the gums.

In short, if you want your teeth whitened, see your dentist and pay the $$$ for his expertise. Don't learn the hard way, as I did.

[Shrek]

I have used hydrogen peroxide and baking soda as toothpaste all my life and I still have my 33 teeth (my bottom wisdom teeth came in when I was 9 and instead of pulling them, my dentist pulled one of my front teeth to make room).

[culpeper]

One of the other side-effects of teeth-whitening is that your teeth become super-sensitive. The worst of it lasts for a few days, but I've found the effect, while reduced, is pretty much permanent. Believe me, I'll never do it again!