Review Finds Home-Use Tooth Whiteners Have Short-Term Effectiveness

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, February 02, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Cochran Collaboration is an international nonprofit that employs more than 28,000 people in 100 countries. The goal of the Cochran Collaboration is to develop evidence-based systemic reviews on healthcare interventions. Their findings are published in The Cochran Review, a respected and trusted resource for both healthcare professionals and consumers.

The Cochran Collaboration has conducted a study on the effectiveness and side-effects of both over-the-counter and dentist-dispensed at-home teeth whitening systems. This review only looked at non-abrasive tooth whiteners that contained hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, the two most common ingredients in tooth whitening kits.

After identifying 416 articles, only 25 met the Cochran Collaboration's criteria for inclusion in the study. Their final findings were that, while "there is evidence that whitening products work when compared with placebo/no treatment, there are differences in efficacy between the products, mainly due to the levels of active ingredients, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide." The author's findings went on to report that, "Several studies reported (where measured) the common side effects of tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation, and people should be informed of this."

Professional Alternatives

While the Cochran Collaboration's findings were that at-home whiteners worked when compared to placebo/no treatment, they also found inconsistent results and an increased risk for tooth sensitivity and oral tissue aggravation. Fortunately, avoiding these issues is as simple as an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Your cosmetic dentist will offer professional tooth whitening solutions that can lighten your teeth six to ten shades in as little as one short office visit. In addition, because these solutions are professionally applied, prolonged contact with your teeth and accidental contact with gingival tissue is eliminated, greatly increasing your overall comfort.

For consistent results and reduced sensitivity, only a professional, in-office tooth whitening treatment will do.

To learn more about professional tooth whitening solutions in or around Philadelphia, Main Line, and Ardmore Pennsylvania, please visit the website of Lindsey Marshall, DMD today at www.lindseymarshall.com.

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