Whitening strips can affect teeth health

Whether for aesthetic reasons or for referring to good oral health , white teeth are the desire of many people. Seeking to achieve that dream, whitening strips are a simple and inexpensive method of obtaining a perfect smile.

But one study found that oxygen peroxide, found in these treatment products, can damage the tooth’s enamel layer.

Read more: Minute investigates: is fluoride bad for your health?

The researchers believe that this chemical substance can also affect dentin (the inner layer of teeth), but to a lesser extent.

The teeth are formed by 3 layers:

  • 1st layer: external enamel responsible for tooth protection. It is in constant contact with saliva and food;
  • 2nd layer: underlying dentin, which is a whitish tissue that makes up the teeth;
  • 3rd layer: joint tissue that binds to the gum

The researchers realized that when these teeth were treated with oxygen peroxide, there was a damage to the enamel, which, if continuous, can reach even the dentin, that is, the internal part of the tooth.

For this research, real teeth and artificial saliva were used, reproducing the conditions of the mouth.

The results presented in the United States by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) still need further studies in the area to see if this really happens in a real mouth and if this damage is permanent.

What is the care with tooth enamel?

Dental enamel is the most mineralized tissue in the body. It covers the teeth, having as main function the protection of the dentin and the nerves avoiding oral problems such as sensitivity and cavities.

Some tips can help to prevent the enamel from wearing out:

  • Sugar: avoid soft drinks, teas and sugary drinks, as sugar helps the proliferation of cavities;
  • Brushing: teeth should be brushed after every meal, except if during the meal acidic foods (lemon and pineapple, for example) were ingested, because the tooth enamel is more sensitive;
  • Dentist: visit your dentist every six months.
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