Tooth whitening methods at a glance: Advantages and disadvantages for radiant white teeth
What methods are there to give you a beautiful smile?
As with toothpaste, the same ingredients have dominated tooth whitening for decades. There is no doubt that peroxides (hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide) are effective in teeth whitening, but at what cost? Teeth whitening doesn't have to be a painful process accompanied by itching, burning and sensitivity. It's high time to bring these old methods up to date and look forward to a peroxide-free future of teeth whitening... a future where PAP, hydroxyapatite and other natural ingredients are in the spotlight.
The history + reputation of tooth whitening with peroxides
More than 5,000 years ago, people began using various materials to clean and maintain their teeth. Over time, both strange and fascinating substances have been used.
The tradition of teeth whitening actually originated around 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. The clever Egyptians back then used a pumice stone, which they ground into powder, and mixed it with white vinegar to make a whitening paste.
In the late 19th century, dentists began to use chlorine as a whitening agent. This method was super popular until the early 20th century when hydrogen peroxide emerged. In 1960, dentist William Klusimer created the first peroxide-based whiteners, which remained popular for about a decade until the formulas became stronger and more aggressive against the gums.
By this time, people were already looking for ways to make peroxide-based teeth whitening less aggressive. As a result, carbamide peroxide was born in 1989. This combination of hydrogen peroxide and urea (a crystalline compound) is less intense on gum tissue and tends to have less negative effects than hydrogen peroxide alone. But because it is basically diluted hydrogen peroxide, it requires higher concentrations to achieve the same whitening effects as hydrogen peroxide.
Nowadays, hydrogen peroxide + carbamide peroxide still dominate the world of teeth whitening. Opinions on their effectiveness are divided: on the one hand, it is undeniable that they are effective in whitening teeth, but on the other hand, they are still very aggressive and can cause unpleasant side effects such as burning, itching, redness, swelling and tooth sensitivity in many people.
As a result, many countries have restrictions or bans on cosmetic products containing hydrogen peroxide.
- EU: Cosmetics containing more than 6% hydrogen peroxide are banned in the EU. Products with 0.1% or less may be sold directly to consumers, products with 0.1-6% must be sold to dentists.
- Canada: If a cosmetic product contains more than 3% hydrogen peroxide, the safety of its use must be clearly demonstrated and the product must be labeled with strict warnings.
- Japan: The use of hydrogen peroxide in cosmetic products is strictly prohibited in Japan.
- USA: The FDA has stated that most peroxide-containing tooth whitening products are considered cosmetic products and that cosmetics do not require FDA approval in the USA. Therefore, peroxide-containing teeth whitening products are not regulated in the USA.
Regardless of what country you live in, many of these peroxide-based products contain warning labels that urge you to be careful not to swallow the product, to keep it away from your gums, and to only leave it on your teeth for a certain amount of time (not too long). At Dentafari, we believe that oral care products that have to carry these warnings are not safe or reliable enough for regular use. To us, that's not oral care, so we prefer a more natural approach with PAP teeth whitening and natural teeth whitening powder.
Our preferred natural teeth whitening methods
From daily teeth whitening to targeted treatments, there are some amazing natural alternatives to hydrogen peroxide that can give you a bright white smile with no negative side effects.
PAP Teeth Whitening
Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (also known as PAP, since the name is a bit complicated) is a synthetic organic acid that promotes teeth whitening. It is a gentler and more natural alternative to peroxides that effectively whitens teeth .... without their negative side effects.
When it's called PAP+, it means it's formulated with hydroxyapatite, a remineralizing ingredient known to strengthen enamel and soothe sensitivity (you know, the one found in Dentafari Remineralizing + Teeth Whitening).
How does PAP teeth whitening avoid the negative side effects of peroxides? Well, peroxides release free radicals (unstable, harmful atoms) during their whitening action. These free radicals can damage tissue and cells. Remember that the tissue surrounding our cheeks and gums is very sensitive and therefore prone to irritation and inflammation. PAP teeth whitening does not release free radicals when it works and is therefore much gentler on the mouth.
That sounds good! Maybe it's finally time to update an old trend that has been dominated by peroxides since 1960.
Natural teeth whitening with Dentafari
Our natural tooth powder contains ingredients that help to polish and whiten teeth:
- Calcium carbonate: this mild abrasive helps to reduce plaque and discoloration and whiten and polish teeth. Our calcium carbonate comes from a quarry in Pennsylvania and is processed by our suppliers to the strictest purity standards.
- Extracts of papain and bromelain: These natural ingredients neutralize plaque-forming acids in the mouth and remove surface stains.
- Hydrated Silica: Naturally derived from silica (a material that makes up 12% of the earth's surface), this substance also has a safe whitening and polishing effect on your teeth. While other brands may import inferior silica from around the world, we use the highest quality British-made hydrated silica with ultra-fine microscopic particles to ensure it is safe for your enamel with daily use.
- Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate: This natural alternative to SLS is derived from coconut. It is used to create a mild and gentle foam to allow our other ingredients to disperse efficiently in the mouth. This supports Dentafari's cleansing and whitening process.
In addition to these amazing ingredients, our Reminaralizing + Teeth Whitening Tooth Powder also contains hydroxyapatite, another incredible ingredient that helps to whiten teeth while strengthening enamel. Research shows that hydroxyapatite has the ability to whiten teeth while remineralizing enamel to relieve sensitivity. This is a refreshing combination, as conventional peroxide-based teeth whitening products can damage enamel and cause significant sensitivity.
These are natural teeth whitening solutions that promote our dental health holistically.