When it comes to teeth whitening, Crest Whitestrips are a convenient and affordable option that can be done at home. But while they are generally considered safe when used correctly, overuse of whitening strips can cause tooth sensitivity and damage to your tooth enamel and the surface underneath. Hydrogen peroxide is the main ingredient in Crest 3D White Whitestrips, which is the same enamel-safe ingredient used by dentists to whiten teeth. Extensive testing has shown that the product is safe when used as directed.
Crest 3D Glamorous Whitestrips are also approved by the American Dental Association and are considered safe when used occasionally and in moderation. However, new research presented at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology shows how hydrogen peroxide in teeth whitening products can damage the protein-containing dentin layer, which lies under the enamel. The researchers also dipped the teeth in artificial saliva and washed them, to simulate what teeth experience in the human mouth. The problem with Whitestrips is that the whitening gel is not properly sealed from the gum tissue like a custom whitening tray does.
Although some of these whitening kits include UV lights to “speed up the process,” studies show that these lights may not be as effective and can damage teeth. John Grbic, DMD, a practicing dentist and professor of dental medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, told Healthline that it's difficult to avoid hydrogen peroxide when looking to whiten your teeth. You should not brush your teeth after using whitening strips, unless the strips you are using specifically instruct you to do so. And because of the one-size-fits-all design of these strips, it is impossible to achieve a perfect seal and even distribution of the whitening gel on the teeth.
The best way to use whitening strips is to cut them at the exact height of the teeth and apply them to the teeth, avoiding touching the gums as much as possible. Preliminary research presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology suggests that these whitening strips could damage teeth below the surface. Nano-hydroxyapatite strengthens the dental structure by redepositing minerals in it, potassium citrate relieves any pre-existing sensitivity and PAP+ whitens discolored molecules in teeth. He has been whitening his teeth for many years with a stronger concentration of hydrogen peroxide than was used in these experiments, and he hasn't seen any red flags, he said.
Extracted teeth treated with whitening strips three times experienced more damage and collagen proteins were reduced to an even smaller size. I also recommend using your dentist's custom whitening trays and a professional whitening gel for best results.