Teeth whitening will become a $7 billion industry by 2024.
From strips to toothpaste to paint on bleach, almost everyone has tried something in an effort to make their teeth look a little bit whiter.
Enter teeth whitening gum.
Created to help people get a whiter smile from simply chewing, the gum has many people wondering if it’ll actually save them a trip to the dentist to brighten their smile.
In this article, we go over what the teeth whitening gum actually does, and if it’s worth your time to invest in it.
Why Do Your Teeth Stain?
Your teeth stain for a variety of reasons.
Most tooth discoloration is known as extrinsic, meaning it comes from an external source. Extrinsic discoloration affects only the enamel. Because of this, it can be easily corrected with whitening products.
Extrinsic stains typically come from eating foods or drinking beverages that create stains. For instance, drinking red wine, coffee, and colored sodas can create stains on the teeth. These can be removed through whitening products, but you can also work at prevention. This can include only drinking through straws or cutting down on the number of colored beverages you consume.
Other people have intrinsic stains on their teeth. These stains are on the inside of their teeth and come from a variety of sources. They can be something you’re born with, come from antibiotic use, or other reasons. Some people also have tooth discoloration from an injury.
In this case, using whitening solutions will not help your teeth. You will need to have more a more invasive procedure, like having veneers fitted, in order to correct the color.
What is Teeth Whitening Gum?
Teeth whitening gum is just what it sounds like: gum that promises to whiten your teeth.
The gum is made by mainline branded gum manufacturers. So, you’ll see it advertised by Orbit and other big names.
The gum itself promises to whiten your teeth if you use it regularly for a certain amount of time. That means you have to be diligent about using it, just as you’d be diligent about brushing your teeth or any other habit.
The Pros of the Gum
The gum can provide a little bit of enhanced whiteness on your teeth. This is mostly because it’s rather abrasive, and if you chew it after you eat, it will help get stains and other debris off of your teeth.
The Cons
The cons of the gum are much larger than the pros, unfortunately.
Some testing showed that the gum only lightened users’ teeth by one shade, even after chewing it four times a day for several weeks. Because gum chewing can be a problem for some individuals, especially those with jaw issues, it’s a lot of effort for little return.
The gum can also damage your enamel, as part of the way it works is to “sand down” the top layer of your teeth.
Because of this, it can make you more susceptible to cavities and other damage to your teeth.
Should I Try It?
It is up to you, but generally, it isn’t recommended. This is because of the above-mentioned cons. Not only is it a huge investment for little return, but it also can cause you to have cavities and other issues with your teeth. Therefore, you may even need more dental care in the long run.
Are There Products That Work Besides Teeth Whitening Gum?
Yes. You can purchase products online and at the drugstore that will help whiten your teeth. These include tooth whitening gels, toothpaste, and strips.
While these products can still break down the enamel on your teeth, they don’t require that you use them for as long of a time in order to see results. Instead, many individuals see results in just a couple of uses.
These over the counter products are a safe alternative to having whitening done at your dentist office. However, you must mitigate your expectations. While they can, and will, whiten your teeth, it will not be as dramatic as if you have it done at the dentist’s office.
What About LED Light Products?
You may have seen people using a tray that they fill with gel, place on their teeth and then activate with an LED light. This has become hugely popular all over Instagram and has many minor celebrities endorsing it.
Currently, this isn’t recommended. While the dentist will use an LED light to whiten your teeth, the LED light at the dentist’s office is directed so that it gives minimal exposure to your gums. The dentist will also make a custom try to ensure a tight fit on your teeth.
It is thought that long-term exposure of LED light to your gums can create issues that we aren’t fully aware of.
How Do I Achieve Dramatic Results?
The only way to achieve dramatic whitening results is by going to the dentist. Unfortunately, teeth whitening gum can only give you extremely mediocre results. The dentist’s office can definitely give you results to write home about.
Depending on if your discoloration is intrinsic or extrinsic, the dentist can help find a solution for you. You’ll get noticeable pearly whites after just one visit, whereas over the counter items take several tries.
Ready to have your teeth look as white as they possibly can? Contact us to make an appointment today. Your smile depends on it!