Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic service that many beauty salons offer to their clients. However, not all teeth whitening products are created equal. Some ingredients may be more effective, safer, and gentler than others. In this article, we will explore some of the common teeth whitening ingredients and how they work to brighten teeth whitening business.
What Causes Teeth Discoloration?
Before we dive into the teeth whitening ingredients, let’s first understand what causes teeth discoloration in the first place. There are two types of stains that affect the color of your teeth: extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic stains are those that occur on the surface of your enamel, the outer layer of your teeth. These stains are caused by factors such as food, drinks, tobacco, and poor oral hygiene. Some of the common culprits are coffee, tea, wine, berries, sauces, and smoking. Extrinsic stains can be removed by brushing, flossing, and using whitening products that contain abrasive or bleaching agents.
Intrinsic stains are those that occur within the dentin, the inner layer of your teeth. These stains are caused by factors such as aging, genetics, medications, trauma, and dental fluorosis. Intrinsic stains are more difficult to remove and may require professional whitening treatments or veneers.
What are the Main Teeth Whitening Ingredients?
Teeth whitening products can be classified into two categories: those that contain peroxide and those that do not. Peroxide is a chemical compound that can break down the color-causing molecules in your teeth and make them appear whiter. Non-peroxide products use other ingredients that either polish or coat your teeth to create a whitening effect.
Peroxide-Based Products
Peroxide-based products are the most effective and widely used teeth whitening products. They can whiten both extrinsic and intrinsic stains by penetrating into the enamel and dentin layers of your teeth. However, they also come with some drawbacks, such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel erosion.
There are two types of peroxide used in teeth whitening products: carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Both have similar effects, but they differ in concentration and duration.
Carbamide Peroxide
Carbamide peroxide is a stable form of hydrogen peroxide that has a longer shelf life and slower release rate. It is usually found in concentrations ranging from 10% to 44%. The higher the concentration, the faster and stronger the whitening effect, but also the higher the risk of side effects.
Carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea when it comes into contact with water or saliva. The hydrogen peroxide then acts as the bleaching agent, while the urea acts as a preservative and an acid neutralizer.
Carbamide peroxide products require longer wear time than hydrogen peroxide products to achieve the same results. For example, a 10% carbamide peroxide product may need to be worn for 2 hours a day for 2 weeks to achieve the same effect as a 3% hydrogen peroxide product worn for 30 minutes a day for 1 week.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a more potent and faster-acting form of peroxide than carbamide peroxide. It is usually found in concentrations ranging from 3% to 10%. The higher the concentration, the faster and stronger the whitening effect, but also the higher the risk of side effects.
Hydrogen peroxide does not need to break down into anything else to act as a bleaching agent. It directly reacts with the color-causing molecules in your teeth and oxidizes them.
Hydrogen peroxide products require shorter wear time than carbamide peroxide products to achieve the same results. However, they also have a shorter shelf life and may degrade faster when exposed to light or heat.
Non-Peroxide Products
Non-peroxide products are alternative options for people who cannot or do not want to use peroxide-based products. They can whiten extrinsic stains by either polishing or coating your teeth with ingredients that reflect light or mask discoloration. However, they cannot whiten intrinsic stains or change the actual color of your teeth.
Some of the common non-peroxide ingredients used in teeth whitening products are:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can remove surface stains from your teeth by scrubbing them gently. It can also neutralize acids in your mouth and prevent plaque buildup. However, it cannot whiten your teeth beyond their natural shade or remove deep stains. It may also cause enamel erosion if used too frequently or harshly.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a porous substance that can adsorb stains, toxins, and bacteria from your teeth and mouth. It can also balance the pH level of your mouth and prevent bad breath. However, it cannot whiten your teeth beyond their natural shade or remove deep stains. It may also cause enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and staining of your gums, tongue, and dental restorations if used too frequently or harshly.
Fruits
Some fruits, such as strawberries, pineapple, papaya, and banana peel, contain enzymes or acids that can whiten your teeth by dissolving or loosening surface stains. They can also provide vitamins and antioxidants that can benefit your oral health. However, they cannot whiten your teeth beyond their natural shade or remove deep stains. They may also cause enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and staining of your dental restorations if used too frequently or harshly.
Oils
Some oils, such as coconut, sunflower, and sesame oils, can whiten your teeth by a process called oil pulling. Oil pulling involves swishing oil in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes to draw out stains, toxins, and bacteria from your teeth and gums. It can also moisturize your mouth and prevent dryness, inflammation, and bad breath. However, it cannot whiten your teeth beyond their natural shade or remove deep stains. It may also cause nausea, diarrhea, or allergic reactions in some people.
How to Choose the Right Teeth Whitening Product for Your Salon?
As a beauty salon owner or operator, you want to offer the best teeth whitening service to your clients. However, you also need to consider the safety, effectiveness, cost, and legality of the products you use.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right teeth whitening product for your salon:
- Check the ingredients list and concentration of the product. Look for products that contain safe and effective ingredients in appropriate concentrations. Avoid products that contain harmful or banned substances such as chlorine dioxide, sodium chlorite, sodium perborate, or sodium hexametaphosphate.
- Check the expiration date and storage conditions of the product. Look for products that have a long shelf life and are stored in a cool and dark place. Avoid products that are expired or exposed to light or heat.
- Check the instructions and precautions of the product. Look for products that have clear and detailed instructions on how to use them safely and effectively. Follow the recommended wear time, frequency, and dosage of the product. Avoid products that have vague or misleading instructions or claims.
- Check the reviews and testimonials of the product. Look for products that have positive feedback from other users or professionals. Read the reviews carefully and look for any complaints or side effects reported by the users. Avoid products that have negative feedback or no feedback at all.
- Check the regulations and laws of your country or state regarding teeth whitening products. Look for products that are approved or registered by the relevant authorities in your area. Follow the rules and guidelines on who can perform teeth whitening services and what products can be used. Avoid products that are illegal or unregulated in your area.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening is a great way to enhance your smile and boost your confidence. However, not all teeth whitening products are suitable for everyone. As a beauty salon owner or operator, you need to be aware of the different ingredients used in teeth whitening products and how they affect your clients’ teeth.
By following this guide, you can choose the best teeth whitening product for your salon and offer a safe and effective service to your clients.
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