The Ada

Please note: The following information has not been created, released, or endorsed by the American Dental Association.  It is a topic summary which includes information obtained from the ADA's website.

Most individuals want to look young and fit, and bright, white teeth are often viewed as a sign of youth and health.  However, every person's natural teeth have a tint to them, whether yellow, brown, or gray, and this tint cannot be changed simply through brushing, even with whitening toothpaste.

For this reason, many individuals turn to tooth whitening products or teeth bleaching to achieve a brighter white in their smile.  The safety of tooth whitening and bleaching products has been questioned since they were first made available.  Questions come into consideration such as:

Do tooth whiteners weaken or destroy tooth enamel?Will tooth whiteners make my teeth sensitive?Are in-office tooth whitening procedures more effective than at-home ones?Are some tooth whitening procedures or products safer than others?

To answer these questions, it is helpful to have an understanding of the difference between in-office and at-home tooth whiteners.

At-Home Tooth Whitening Products

There are a variety of at-home tooth whitening products available in many forms from toothpaste to trays to strips.  The ADA (American Dental Association) indicates that whitening toothpastes do not actually change the intrinsic color of your teeth, but simply polish and clean them to create a brighter appearance.

However, at-home tooth whitening products often contain peroxide which can be used to bleach teeth.  The concentration of at-home tooth whiteners is very low, usually 10% or less.  They often require that you apply the whitener twice a day for two weeks or more.

In-Office Tooth Bleaching

In contrast, tooth whitening performed by your dentist can be completed in as little as one one-hour appointment.  The concentration used for in-office tooth whitening is much stronger than in at-home whiteners, and is therefore restricted to use in dental offices.  Your gums must be protected from the solution by a gel or rubber dental dam, and the solution must be activated with a special light to take effect.

It is important to understand that even professional tooth whitening procedures may not remove tooth discoloration caused by chemicals or toxins.  If your teeth are badly discolored, or a grayish tint, you may choose to explore dental bonding or porcelain veneers as a solution.

ADA and Tooth Whitening

While the ADA does not officially endorse one method of tooth whitening over the other, there are some products which have applied for and accepted the ADA seal of approval; a voluntary designation received through providing verifiable research and information on outcomes to the ADA.  Many types of in-office tooth whiteners have received approval from the ADA, and you can ask your dentist to use a product with the ADA seal of approval.