Preface
Teeth whitening is the process through which the color of the teeth is improved to enhance its looks through the removal of stains and discoloration.Whitening gel is among the most popular products for teeth whitening at home since it is applied to the teeth using either a tray or brush. However, as with any product, teeth-whitening gel has a shelf life. In this article, we will discuss the issue of whether teeth whitening gel goes bad and what might cause it.
What is Teeth Whitening Gel?
Teeth whitening gel is one of the most common products used to bleach and enhance the color of the teeth. It comes in strips, gels, and pens and can be bought over the counter or from a dentist's teeth-whitening kit and gels.
The active ingredients of the teeth-whitening gel are:
Teeth
whitening gel commonly comprises a bleaching agent; this may be hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, on the premise that they are the ones that cause the teeth to lighten in color. The other components may be glycerin, water, and flavours. The whitening agent’s concentration and the other components may also differ depending on the brand and kind of teeth whitening gel.
How Teeth Whitening Gel Works?
Teeth whitening gel operates in a way that it enters the outer regions of the teeth and then attacks the molecules of the stains. Another action by which the whitening agent in the gel works is to disperse the dye molecules into smaller particles that cannot be easily seen. This process reduces the general shade of the teeth and contributes to the elimination of stains on the outer surface of the teeth.
Now, teeth whitening gel does not alter the natural color of the teeth but only minimizes the discoloration of the teeth. The use of teeth whitening gel may also be influenced by the kind of stains present, the extent of the stains, and the hygiene practices of the patient.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Gel Last?
Teeth whitening gel is normally good for two to three years.But this may not be the same for all the brands and formulas of the product in the market. One should always look at the expiration date of the teeth-whitening gel that is packed before applying it to the teeth.
Can Teeth Whitening Gel Expire Before its Expiration Date?
Yes,
teeth whitening gel will also become ineffective if it has been left for some time without its expiry date if it was mishandled. Teeth whitening gel should be stored at a cool temperature and in a dry place out of direct sunlight and heat. Moisture and heat will affect the effectiveness of the gel.
Common Question: Does Opalescence Expire?
Opalescence is a trade name for a range of teeth whiteners. Similar to most other oral care and oral hygiene items, opalescence has a shelf life or an expiration date. The best-before dates are normally found on the labels of the packaging. The reasons for expiration dates on such products are usually twofold:
Efficacy: In the long run, the components of teeth whiteners may break down or get denatured and lose their effectiveness. This means that if you use the product past the expiry date, it may not be as effective at whitening your teeth.
Safety: It also assists in signifying the time frame within which the manufacturer can assure the safety of the product. In the sense that it is not necessarily dangerous to use the product slightly above the recommended date, the manufacturer cannot assure the safety of the product after that period.
With regard to opalescence, the main active ingredient is normally carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which has a tendency to break down with time or whenever in contact with light or heat. This is why it is recommended to store these products in a cool, dark place.
Also, the product accumulates bacteria or any other microorganisms that may cause infections or other health complications.
Thus, it is always wise to keep to the expiry dates of the products, such as Opalescence, for efficiency and safety’s sake. If your product is expiring or will expire shortly, then it is advisable to replace it with a new one.
What are the Signs that Teeth Whitening Gel Has Expired?
It is easy to understand that teeth whitening gel is a product that is widely used to whiten and give the teeth a brighter look. Though teeth whitening gel is safe and efficient, one has to know the date it can be used up to and dispose of it in case it has gone out of date.
Any alteration in color or texture
The first thing that can indicate that teeth-whitening gel has gone bad is its color or texture. New teeth whitening gel should not have any color or just be slightly tinted white and must be of a gel-like texture. If the gel has taken a different hue or has become more viscous or less viscous than it was before, then it is most probably expired.
Loss of effectiveness
The other indication that
teeth-whitening gel is already expired is that it may not work as they used to. It is possible that the gel is no longer as effective as it used to be. For example, if it is used to whiten your teeth, lighten the color, or remove stains on the surface of the teeth, then the gel must be expired.
In the case of any change in appearance or the efficiency of teeth whitening gel, you should dispose of it and use a new one. Applying old teeth whitening gel not only results in poor outcomes but also harms your teeth and gums.
Can Expired Teeth-whitening Gel be Harmful?
Old teeth whitening gel is not as effective in whitening the teeth as a new gel because of the expiry date of the product. But it is believed to have no negative effects when taken as recommended. The expert advice is that if you have any concerns about using teeth whitening gel, you should discuss this with your dentist.
How to Extend the Life of Teeth Whitening Gel?
A teeth-whitening gel is a product that is used to help make the teeth appear whiter and brighter. However, it is safe and effective most of the time, and when using teeth-whitening gel, one should ensure that the gel has not expired, and if it has, one should dispose of it. What follows are some guidelines that may help one to increase the shelf life of teeth-whitening gel.
Proper Storage Techniques
Temperature and light are two factors that will affect the shelf life of your teeth-whitening gel. The gel should be kept where it is cool, dry, and protected from direct sunlight and heat sources. The gel should also be placed where children and pet animals cannot have access to it.
It is also advisable to store the gel in its container and follow the storage instructions from the manufacturer. Depending on the type of gel, some of them require storing in a refrigerator, while others should be stored at room temperature. It is also important to pay attention to the label or packaging of the food item in order to know the proper storage condition to apply.
Applying the gel as indicated on the label by the manufacturer
It can also be used as directed by the
whitening gel manufacturer to increase its shelf life as well. This comprises adherence to the right application frequency of the gel and application of the right quantity of the gel. If gel is used excessively or improperly, it leads to a shortening of its shelf life.
One also needs to clean the applicator after each use in order to avoid transferring bacteria to the gel. It is also important to note that the use of a clean applicator will also prevent the penetration of bacteria that will affect the shelf life of the gel.
Conclusion
To sum up, teeth whitening gel does go bad, and it is recommended to always look at the expiration date before using it.
They also indicated that storage of the product can also help in increasing the shelf life of the product. In case you have any questions concerning the use of teeth-whitening gel that has expired, you should seek the services of a dentist.