Tooth whitening: products sold in pharmacies reduce enamel

The tooth whitening products on the market erode tooth enamel, according to a study . There is talk, however, erosion of the nanometer. The study focused on five products in the form of strips or gel applied using gutters. Fifty samples of teeth were treated during a period of ten days to three weeks, depending on the product used. The study showed that all whitening products to reduce tooth enamel from 1.2 to 2 nanometers. However, teeth that have not received treatment whitening won 0.4 nanometer enamel during the same period.
"There is no need for alarm, said Dr. Serge Langlois, president of the Association of Dental Surgeons of Quebec. Loss of enamel of the microscopic order is harmful and does not affect the hardness or the resistance of teeth. In addition, tooth enamel regenerates naturally in a few weeks or months, he adds. The study also demonstrated that the type of treatment, teeth lost 6% to 19% of their elasticity. Although they are rigid, teeth have a certain elasticity to withstand shocks. The loss of elasticity and enamel of the teeth was the same regardless of the concentration of the bleach. The products tested contained either 9%, 10% or 14% hydrogen peroxide or 22% carbamide peroxide. Cleaning or laundering? The dentist Claire Deschamps, who performs whitening treatments for over 20 years, met the public to guard against the popularity of these products sold in pharmacies. "The stains on teeth caused by foods such as coffee, or tobacco may easily disappear with a good cleaning, she says. A tooth which is darker hue may require bleaching using a product that will concentrate more on the pigment of the tooth. " The College of Dentists of Quebec and the Canadian Dental Association recommends consulting a dentist before starting treatment for whitening teeth. "Fillings, the presence of caries, exposed roots, or gums in poor condition may reduce the effectiveness of a bleaching treatment or cause unpleasant side effects such as hypersensitivity of the teeth," says Claire Deschamps. The Canadian Dental Association states on its website that the long-term treatment , whether with a dentist or at home, "are still unknown and must be investigated, especially since the results treatments are not permanent and that many people eventually suffer periodic bleaching treatments.