44% Teeth Whitening Gel Facts
As a veteran dentist in the military for over 30 years, I have seen a tremendous amount of change in the dentistry field. Some of the most concerning being the strengths of supposed "at home" 44% teeth whitening gels and kits such as those containing 44% carbamide peroxide.
Yes, I could offer 44% teeth whitening gel but I will not promote or profit from something that I would not use myself. I have listed the reasons why a 44% carbamide peroxide teeth whitening gel should not be used at home or even by a dentist. To help you understand these reasons, I would first like to explain the different peroxide types in gels.
There are two types of teeth whitening peroxides, they are hydrogen and carbamide. The strengths of each differ but note that a larger percentage DOES NOT convey a stronger solution. Hydrogen is equal to carbamide by a three times factor, meaning that a 9% hydrogen mimics the strength of a 27% carbamide peroxide. Yes, you read that right. Here are more differences.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE:
- Used in dental offices due to quick peroxide breakdown
- Extremely SHORT active shelf life (less than 3 months)
- Causes sensitivity due to quick tooth mineral disruption
- Does not continue whitening after first 30 mins
- Not recommended for daily or weekly use.
CARBAMIDE PEROXIDE:
- Takes longer to breakdown, meaning longer whitening times
- Longer shelf life - stores in fridge for up to 2 years
- Some optimal 35% strengths cause no sensitivity
- Continues to whiten long after initial application
- Can be used daily, less than 4 days consecutively
Another key point is to check the entire ingredient list of the teeth whitening gel formula.
For example, a formula has an unnecessarily high 44% carbamide peroxide and harsh solvents like those found in floor cleaners. Not only does the 44% carbamide peroxide affect enamel and cause irritation, the solvents will also burn the delicate mucosa (gums and other oral tissues).
HERE'S WHY I DO NOT USE or RECOMMEND 44% TEETH WHITENING GELS:
- 44% is dangerous and toxic as it is harsh on the gums, tissues and the tongue.
- 44% displaces teeth minerals unevenly causing extended weakness and imbalances.
- There is no need to compromise tooth health for a whiter smile when there are safer options of less harsh, optimal percentages.
- Teeth Whitening in squeeze tubes are not recommended as higher percentages break down and leach these softer plastic materials into the carbamide peroxide gel.
- Never buy a tooth whitening gel that is in an unmarked syringe, like a lot of those being sold on large marketplaces that we will not mention here.
Unmarked syringes only came onto the market with the introduction of the allowance of international sellers that fabricate products where there are absolutely no regulations on most foods or oral items. It absolutely shocks me that some of the "top selling" or better described as the "most hyped or viral teeth whitening brands" are sold without any ingredient list or identification of what is actually in the product that is going in your mouth.
CONCLUSION:
Yes, many companies have caved under the pressures of the "instant gratification" of people wanting faster teeth whitening results, but for their own profits. However, you will not find dentists or dental professionals doing so as they are held accountable and most think of their patients well-being first and would never expose their patients to toxic products.
RESOURCES:
Dr. W. Watts profile, https://npiprofile.com/npi/1386799880
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24579500/
