Go Peroxide-Free – The Side-Effects of Peroxide, and Peroxide-Free Alternatives

There’s no doubt that peroxide is an effective teeth-whitening agent. Hydrogen peroxide, as well as carbamide peroxide, are the most common active ingredients for teeth whitening procedures, from strips to at-home whitening kits and even professional whitening treatments.

Peroxide has long been the go-to for reliable teeth whitening results, but it’s not without risks or side effects. Hydrogen peroxide used in teeth whitening has been linked to tooth pain and sensitivity, and overuse or incorrect use can damage your enamel.

Fortunately there are safe and effective peroxide-free options for teeth whitening. Let’s take a closer look at the risks of peroxide-based whitening, and explore safe and reliable peroxide alternatives.

How Peroxide Works

Peroxide is an effective whitening agent thanks to its bleaching reaction. When applied, peroxide releases oxygen molecules that can permeate your enamel to lift surface discolouration and deeper stains, leaving your teeth looking brighter and whiter.

Similarly, peroxide can be used the strip colour from hair, with this oxidising reaction penetrating the hair cortex and breaking down the pigments that give hair colour. This oxidising  reaction is what makes peroxide an effective stain remover – and what makes it perfect for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, brightening your laundry, and disinfecting bins, litter trays, countertops and cookware.

The Risks of Peroxide

While hydrogen peroxide is a common household chemical, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks when using hydrogen peroxide on your skin, hair or teeth. Once recommended as an antiseptic for small wounds and a treatment for acne, peroxide is no longer supported for use on skin as it may cause irritation and even burning. Peroxide can also leave skin red and swollen, and may inhibit wound healing and lead to scar formation. When use on hair, peroxide can damage the cuticle, leading to brittle, dry hair, increased breakage and split ends, and may leave the scalp irritated and itching.

When used in teeth whitening, peroxide can lead to irritation and inflammation in the gums, leading to tooth pain and sensitivity that can be made worse by hot and cold foods. While sensitivity caused by peroxide use is often temporary, it can become permanent. People who already experience toothaches or have sensitive teeth may want to avoid peroxide-based products to avoid potentially exacerbating the problem.

Peroxide should never be ingested. If it is accidentally swallowed during a whitening treatment, it can lead to stomach pain or nausea. Excessive use can damage your tooth enamel, leaving teeth feeling rough and dry, and potentially making discolouration look worse. Over-whitened teeth may take on a translucent cast, making the yellowish colour of your inner tooth layers more visible.

It’s important to note that the efficacy and the risks of hydrogen peroxide depends on the concentration, with higher concentrations more likely to lead to side-effects. Excessive or incorrect use also increase the chance of unwanted side-effects.

Peroxide-Free Whitening

Fortunately, there are now teeth whitening options that do not rely on hydrogen peroxide, and do not come with the side-effects often associated with peroxide-based whitening treatments.

Instead of using peroxide to whiten teeth, the Polished London oral care range uses the clinically-proven active ingredient PAP PRO. Instead of penetrating your tooth enamel, PAP PRO creates a protective layer over the teeth to break down stains and prevent new stains forming, working to gently yet effectively whiten your teeth. PAP also has anti-plaque and antibacterial properties to help support overall oral health.

As they do not contain peroxide, Polished London’s whitening range does not cause irritation or sensitivity. They are also enamel-safe, and will not damage the structure of your teeth or leave teeth feeling rough and dry.

What’s Right For You?

Peroxide-based whitening is effective and reliable, but it also comes with a range of potential side effects that can make using them uncomfortable or intolerable for some. Peroxide carries the risk of painful sensitivity and enamel damage, which can lead to long-term discomfort and expensive dental procedures.

If you already experience some dental discomfort or sensitivity, or if you are concerned about damaging or degrading your dental enamel, it’s time to look at peroxide-free alternatives. The Polished London whitening range is entirely peroxide free and gentle on enamel, making it a great choice to avoid the side-effects that can come with peroxide-based treatments.

For impressive whitening results without the pain and sensitivity, we recommend starting with the Teeth Whitening Strips, which are unobtrusive and easy to apply, or the Teeth Whitening Kit, which uses PAP PRO based whitening gel and an LED mouthpiece to deliver accelerated whitening results. To maintain your whitened smile in between treatments, try using the Hyaluronic Whitening Powder or the Ultra White Toothpaste, and touch up your smile with the handy Whitening Pen for an instant confidence boost.

The path to a brilliant smile doesn’t have to be painful. Say no to peroxide whitening and explore Polished London’s peroxide-free whitening range for safe, effective, reliable whitening without the risks of peroxide treatments. Shop online now to explore Polished London’s wide range of whitening products.