Are over-the-counter tooth whiteners safe and effective?
The over-the-counter whiteners that I am familiar with all seem to be safe for our use. Should you decide to try one of them for a child or adolescent, please be sure to confirm that there are no minimum age limitations for its use. Studies to date do not seem to indicate any damage to the teeth or gums, and these products have been actively used by the profession for over 20 years. As to the question of their effectiveness, that is not as easy to answer. Over the years, many of my patients have tried various store bought products and they seem to have very mixed results. Sometimes the patients are pleased with the results, and sometimes they are not.
