Consumer teeth whitening strips are a popular and accessible at-home treatment. These treatments involve applying thin, flexible strips coated with a bleaching agent directly to the teeth for a set period. A common concern is managing the natural increase in saliva flow and the subsequent urge to swallow this mixture during treatment. Understanding the ingredients involved can help address safety concerns regarding accidentally swallowing saliva mixed with the whitening gel.
Why Swallowing Saliva Is a Concern
The primary active ingredients in most over-the-counter whitening strips are low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These peroxide compounds release oxygen molecules that penetrate the tooth enamel to break down stains. When the whitening gel mixes with saliva, the resulting diluted solution is what is incidentally swallowed during treatment.
It is important to differentiate between minor, incidental swallowing and excessive ingestion of the gel. Swallowing small amounts of saliva mixed with the diluted bleaching agent is considered safe and is not expected to cause harm. Manufacturers formulate these products knowing that minor exposure will occur, and the concentration of active chemicals is low enough for occasional use. Swallowing a larger quantity of the gel, however, can lead to mild side effects.
Ingesting excessive amounts of the peroxide-based gel can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or a temporary burning sensation in the throat. This is because the peroxide can irritate the stomach and digestive tract lining. While the body can usually break down and detoxify the small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, large quantities increase the risk of discomfort. Deliberately swallowing the gel should be avoided.
Practical Methods for Saliva Control
Managing the natural surge in saliva production during the application period is key to a comfortable and effective treatment. To help the strips adhere securely and minimize gel dilution, dry your teeth with a tissue or clean cloth before application. A dry surface helps the strip stick better, reducing the chance of shifting and excessive mixing with saliva.
During the whitening session, keep mouth movements to a minimum, as talking or excessive movement can dislodge the strip and stimulate more saliva flow. If saliva pools excessively, leaning forward slightly can encourage the excess to drip out rather than be swallowed. Using a small piece of gauze or a cotton roll placed near your cheeks can also help absorb extra moisture without disturbing the strips.
Another technique is to swallow the saliva frequently and naturally, which prevents it from pooling and interfering with the whitening process. While swallowing is a natural reflex, the goal is to manage the flow and minimize the volume of the gel-saliva mixture ingested. Always adhere strictly to the product’s recommended duration, as leaving the strips on longer will not improve results and increases the time the gel is present.
Addressing Side Effects and Irritation
Despite best practices, some users may still experience minor side effects. The most common local irritation is temporary gum sensitivity or a mild burning sensation, which occurs if the gel spreads beyond the tooth surface. If this happens, gently rinse your mouth with water after removing the strips to wash away any residual gel.
If you experience mild stomach upset, nausea, or a scratchy throat after using the strips, it is likely due to swallowing a slightly larger amount of the gel-saliva mixture. These symptoms are minor and pass quickly without requiring medical intervention. Drinking a glass of water can help further dilute and flush the substance from your digestive system.
Discontinue use immediately and seek professional medical attention if you experience severe symptoms like persistent vomiting, intense abdominal pain, or difficulty breathing. While these severe reactions are rare with the low-concentration gels in at-home strips, they indicate a possible adverse reaction or significant ingestion. Consulting a dental professional is the safest course of action for any discomfort.