Are Whitening Toothpastes, Strips, Pens & Powders Safe and Effective? Here's What You Need to Know
A question we hear all the time at our dental clinic in Gurgaon is: "Can I use this whitening toothpaste or strip I bought at the store?" With so many over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products available—like toothpastes, powders, strips, pens, and gels—it’s easy to get tempted by promises of a brighter smile. But do they actually work? And more importantly, are they safe? What We've Observed in Practice As one of the best dentists in Gurgaon , I’ve seen that most OTC whitening products deliver mild and temporary results at best. The effects aren’t long-lasting, and in some cases, they can even cause damage. How Do These Whitening Products Work? Most of these products rely on hydrogen peroxide or ingredients that release it. This chemical works by breaking down dark stains into smaller particles, making your teeth look whiter. However, for visible results, even a 3% hydrogen peroxide formula would need to stay on your teeth for about 5 hours a day for...