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Is bleaching harmful?

In a world where a radiant smile has become the ultimate ideal of beauty, more and more people are looking for ways to whiten their teeth. Bleaching, or professional teeth whitening, is very popular. But is this method really safe for your dental health? In this blog post, we take a deep dive into the topic and shed light on how you can safely whiten your teeth without jeopardising your enamel.

Andrea Seraina Author
Andrea Seraina
Dental Content Specialist
06.02.20249 min. reading time
 bleaching, teeth whitening, tooth enamel, gum irritation, hydrogen peroxide, professional teeth cleaning, home bleaching, dental health, tooth discolouration, dental practice, bleaching methods, tooth sensitivity, dental care, safe bleaching, oral hygiene, bleaching risks, natural whitening methods, tooth erosion, dental advice, bleaching products

What is bleaching?

Bleaching, or teeth whitening, is a widely used cosmetic procedure that aims to make your smile brighter by removing discolouration and lightening the colour of your teeth. This method has become a popular solution for achieving bright white teeth, which are often associated with health and beauty. Whitening can be done in a variety of ways, from professional whitening treatments offered at a dental practice or at our ALPINE WHITE Studio, to home whitening, which is available over-the-counter at drugstores, pharmacies, online and so on. These products and procedures can have a whitening effect on the tooth surface by lightening deep-seated discolouration caused by food, drink or tobacco.

The risks of bleaching

Although teeth whitening can be an effective way to improve the aesthetics of your smile, there are concerns about its safety and the potential damage it can cause. The risks of bleaching are mainly due to the ingredients in the bleaching agents. Hydrogen peroxide, a commonly used ingredient in bleaching products, can be aggressive to tooth enamel and irritate gums in higher concentrations. If used improperly, especially with products for home bleaching, there is a risk of hypersensitivity, irritation of the tooth necks and even damage to the dentin. In addition, people with fillings, dentures or veneers may find that they do not react to bleaching, which can lead to an uneven tooth colour.

At our ALPINE WHITE Studio, however, we set a different standard. We completely avoid the use of peroxides to give you a worry-free whitening experience. You can find out more about this below.

How bleaching can affect tooth enamel

Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and protects the more sensitive layers of the tooth, such as dentin and dentin, from decay and other damage. Aggressive whitening products can erode the enamel, making teeth more susceptible to discolouration and wear.

Professional tooth cleaning as an alternative

The decision to whiten teeth is often driven by the desire to achieve a brighter smile. But before you decide on bleaching with bleaching gel or other methods of whitening your teeth, it is worth considering the benefits of professional tooth cleaning. This treatment, which is carried out by a dental hygienist at our ALPINE WHITE Studio, not only provides effective cleaning, but can also lead to a visible whitening of your teeth without jeopardising the tooth structure.

Removal of plaque and tartar

A professional dental cleaning aims to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, especially in the interdental spaces and other hard-to-reach areas that are often overlooked during daily brushing. Tartar, a hardened form of dental plaque, cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires specialised instruments used in a dental practice. Removing these deposits is crucial as they not only cause tooth discolouration but can also increase the risk of gum disease such as periodontitis.

Whitening without damaging the tooth substance

Unlike some bleaching methods that use harsh chemicals to whiten teeth, professional teeth cleaning is a gentle alternative that can restore the natural colour of teeth without damaging the enamel. By removing surface discolouration caused by coffee, tea, red wine or tobacco, professional teeth cleaning can already lead to visible whitening.

Prevention of gum disease

Regular professional teeth cleaning plays an important role in the prevention of gum disease. By removing plaque and tartar that can cause inflammation and infection of the gums, this treatment helps to reduce the risk of periodontitis. A healthy gum base is not only important for general oral health, but also for an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Maintaining oral hygiene

Professional teeth cleaning also offers the opportunity to comprehensively assess your oral health. During the cleaning, the dentist or, in our ALPINE WHITE Studio, the dental hygienist can recognise potential problems, such as incipient tooth decay or signs of gum disease, and make appropriate recommendations for treatment or preventive measures.

Safe bleaching methods

If you decide to bleach your teeth, choose safe methods that are gentle on the enamel. Products and treatments that are free from harsh chemicals such as peroxide offer a safer alternative. At ALPINE WHITE, for example, we use PAP (phthalimidoperoxyhexanoic acid) as a gentle alternative to conventional bleaching agents.

Enjoy home bleaching with caution

Whilst home whitening products and home remedies are a convenient and cost-effective solution for many to whiten their smile, it is important to exercise caution when using them. Improper use of such products can lead to unwanted side effects. It is therefore crucial to always follow the instructions and not to exceed the recommended duration of use.

Recommendation of ALPINE WHITE products

For those looking for a safe and effective home whitening solution, ALPINE WHITE offers a range of products that have been specially developed to gently whiten your teeth while promoting your dental health. These products are the result of extensive research and development and offer an excellent alternative to conventional bleaching methods.

ALPINE WHITE whitening & care products

ALPINE WHITE offers a range of whitening and care products that are recognised for their effectiveness and safety. These products are clinically proven and recommended by professionals to help you maintain healthy and white teeth. The product range includes, among others:

  • Whitening Kit: The kit fulfils everything you need for safe and effective tooth whitening at home. It is easy to use and offers visible results in a short time.
  • Whitening Toothpastes: For daily care, ALPINE WHITE offers toothpastes that not only clean but also gently whiten without damaging the enamel. We have three different whitening toothpastes for different needs. Our Whitening Toothpaste Extra White, for example, is a toothpaste for an extra whitening effect.
  • Whitening Foam: Supplement your daily dental care with the whitening Whitening Foam, which helps to combat discolouration and provides fresh breath.

Safety and effectiveness

ALPINE WHITE products are designed to provide effective whitening without jeopardising the health of your teeth. By using ingredients that are gentle on the enamel, you can be sure that your teeth are well protected when using these products.

In-office bleaching: the professional option

In modern dentistry, the well-being of patients takes centre stage, especially when it comes to aesthetic treatments such as bleaching. ALPINE WHITE has perfected this approach by offering a bleaching treatment that is not only effective but also particularly gentle on the teeth.

Healthy, effective and gentle on teeth

ALPINE WHITE's in-office bleaching is characterised by its gentle method, which does not require the use of hydrogen peroxide or peroxide derivatives. This innovation protects the enamel by not roughening it and leaves the tooth structure unchanged. The result is a naturally white smile that emphasises your radiance without endangering the health of your teeth.

Advantages of ALPINE WHITE bleaching

ALPINE WHITE focuses on gentle and sustainable teeth whitening that protects oral health. The advantages of this method include:

  • Effective teeth whitening: The treatment provides significant whitening, allowing up to 7 levels of whiter teeth in just 90 minutes. It is important to note that results may vary depending on individual tooth enamel and original tooth colour.
  • No tooth sensitivity: In contrast to conventional bleaching methods, the ALPINE WHITE procedure does not lead to increased sensitivity after treatment.
  • Protection of the tooth structure: The method ensures that there is no loss of tooth structure, which is crucial for the long-term health and strength of the teeth.

Inviting atmosphere

The treatment rooms at ALPINE WHITE are designed to provide a relaxing atmosphere that promotes the well-being of patients. In these modern-minimalist studios, you can completely relax while the professional staff take care of the beauty and health of your teeth.

Professional expertise and individual support

ALPINE WHITE's specialised dental staff are always up to date with the latest technology thanks to regular further training and courses. This expertise enables each treatment to be individually tailored to the needs and health conditions of the patient to ensure the best possible care.

Scientifically confirmed method

The effectiveness and gentleness of the ALPINE WHITE method has been confirmed by the latest research results from the Fraunhofer Institute. These studies prove that ALPINE WHITE bleaching does not cause any significant changes to tooth enamel and is just as effective as other bleaching products, but without the negative side effects.

The importance of healthy teeth

Ultimately, the health of your teeth is more important than their colour. Avoid aggressive whitening methods that could jeopardise your dental health and opt for gentle, safe alternatives instead.

Closing words

Whitening can be an effective way to whiten your teeth, but it's important to understand the risks and choose safe practices. At ALPINE WHITE, we prioritise the health and safety of your teeth and offer products and treatments that whiten your smile without compromising your dental health. Remember, a bright smile should not come at the expense of your dental health.

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