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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Can I give away teeth whitening gel from the dentist?

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I took up the offer for free teeth whitening for life from my new dentist. She offers custom trays at half price and the bleaching gel is free. She uses different gel from my old dentist. I was at a dinner with some friends last weekend and somehow the topic about dental visits came up and the subject went into getting teeth whitening. I mentioned the deal my new dentist gives, and one of my friends asks if I have any whitening gel left from my former dentist. I said yes, and multiple people started asking for my old gel. I was planning on throwing it away. There are certain things that I don’t like sharing with people because if it doesn’t go well, I don’t want to hear about it. Nor do I want to feel responsible for it. My friends thought I was over-reacting and said it’s no big deal. Is there anything wrong with sharing my old teeth whitening gel with friends? Thanks. Val

 

Val – Your hesitation about sharing your teeth whitening gel with someone else is valid. There are several variables to consider before someone uses bleaching gel.

Factors to Consider before Sharing Teeth Whitening Gel

  • Condition of their teeth and gums. Teeth whitening treatments shouldn’t be started without a dentist verifying the condition of a person’s teeth and gums. Any signs of tooth decay or gum disease should be cleared up first.
  • Type of teeth stains. Whitening gel works on many types of stains, but it some cases it can make stains more noticeable—or simply worse.
  • Type of bleaching trays. Over-the-counter or one-size-fits-all bleaching trays can cause more harm than good. Custom trays are needed to ensure the gel stays in contact with teeth and doesn’t ooze out. Otherwise, oral tissue and gums can be burned form the gel.
  • Types of whitening gel. Some dentists use different types of teeth whitening based on the patient’s needs. What’s right for you might not be right for your friends.
  • How long to bleach. Without a dentist’s supervision, it’s a guessing game. Your friends won’t know how long they should use the bleaching gel each day, or how long they should continue to bleach. Over-bleaching can damage teeth.

If you’re not comfortable sharing the bleaching gel from your former dentist, don’t do it. Explain the reasons to your friends and leave it at that. You might be doing some of them a bigger favor than they know.

 

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Five Things You Should Know Before Whitening Your Own Teeth

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Few people would turn down a chance to have whiter teeth. Very few. You finally have the opportunity to get the Hollywood-white smile you’ve always wanted. And it’s way cheaper than you’ve ever dreamed. The prices of do-it-yourself whitening kits make a bright smile more affordable than ever—especially with online coupons and offers for free whitening. But before you bite into the teeth whitening scene, there are five things you should know that can help you improve your smile and avoid damaging it.

1. What’s the cause of those stains?

Why are your teeth stained? Are you a heavy coffee, tea, or wine drinker? Do you smoke frequently? These habits can stain your teeth, and it’s likely that bleaching gel will brighten your smile. But if the cause for the stains in your teeth is medical or due to prescription drugs, bleaching them may have no effect at all. At times, it can make the stains worse.

2. What’s in your whitening gel?

Not all gels are created equal. Professional-strength teeth whitening gel from a dentist contains carbamide peroxide. Some whitening agents that claim to brighten your teeth just don’t do the job. Read the ingredients before you use the gel, and ensure it doesn’t contain anything that will irritate your lips or gums, or that will cause an allergic reaction.

3. Does the gel or kit come with instructions?

How do you use it? How long should the gel stay on your teeth? These are things you should know before you start whitening your teeth. Stronger gels usually don’t need to stay on your teeth overnight. They can make your teeth super sensitive to heat or cold, and the gel can burn your gums.

4. Custom bleaching trays make a difference

One-size-fits-all teeth whitening trays are misleading. Bleaching gel needs to stay in contact with your teeth to whiten your them. But it also needs to stay away from your gums. If the gel oozes out of the trays, ouch! Your gums will burn, baby burn. Ensure the bleaching trays you use are customized to fit your teeth.

5. Be patient

Did you know that you can actually over-bleach your teeth? The teeth whitening process should not go on and on. Follow the instructions. Whiten them for two weeks, or for the period specified in the instructions, and wait for the gel to continue to whiten before you proceed. If you whiten your teeth too much, they can dry out and become discolored.

Whitening your teeth can be done safely and successfully. The best results are supervised by a dentist. Tell your dentist that you’re thinking about getting your teeth whitened. He or she will likely offer some free advice based on the condition of your teeth that can help you consider your options and make a smart choice.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.