Know It All Nev

On Demand Reviews – 2021

Category: teeth whitening

Zimba Enamel Whitening Assessment

Nifty Nev
teeth whitening |

Jump to topic

What is Zimba Teeth Whitening?

Zimba is an oral care company that specializes in affordable and enamel-safe teeth whitening products. The brand is well-known for its ‘tasty whitening strips’ that come in nine different flavors: 

CinnamonCoconutMintPeachPeppermintSpearmintStrawberryWatermelonWintergreen

Zimba’s professional-grade strips contain natural, reduced-sensitivity ingredients. They whiten your teeth gradually over a few weeks and do not slip after they are placed on your teeth. This helps prevent uneven bleaching and discomfort while whitening.

Zimba also has other products, including teeth whitening pens for on-the-go, LED lights for quicker bleaching, and peroxide-free whitening powders for brushing. These treatments can be used in combination with the whitening strips for more vibrant results.

Zimba Whitening Strips: Ingredient List

Zimba uses enamel-safe ingredients that will not damage your teeth or gums (when used correctly). Here is the complete ingredient list for each product:

Zimba Whitening Strips: PVP K30, glycerin, hydroxypropyl cellulose, PVP K90, water, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, menthol, and other natural ingredients like coconut oil (depends on the flavor). Zimba Whitening Powders: Mild abrasives, natural sweeteners, and activated charcoal (some products). Charcoal has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Despite this, some dentists are concerned about the abrasiveness of charcoal, which may whiten teeth by removing enamel.2Zimba Whitening Pens: Carbamide peroxide, glycerin, propylene glycol, water, carbomer, cellulose gum, PVP, menthol, and sodium hydroxide.

How Do Zimba Whitening Strips Work?

Zimba whitening strips contain hydrogen peroxide (HP) as the main active ingredient. According to research, HP is an effective and safe bleaching agent that does not cause significant damage to tooth enamel or gums.7 

However, high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can result in oral health damage over time like sensitivity or enamel wear.1 Damage can also occur if you leave the whitening strips on for longer than directed.1 This is why it’s essential to follow Zimba’s whitening instructions very carefully. 

How Often Should You Use Zimba Whitening Strips?

For best results, use Zimba whitening strips for 14 consecutive days. Only use them once a day to prevent sensitivity and damage. Your whitening results will not be affected if you miss a day or two. 

How Long Should You Wear Them?

Zimba recommends leaving the whitening strips on for 30 minutes. But you can leave them on for up to one hour. 

Keep in mind that the longer you leave the strips on, the higher the risk for tooth sensitivity and potential enamel damage. Do not wear Zimba whitening strips overnight.6 

Should You Brush Your Teeth After Whitening?

For best results, do not brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after removing the whitening strips. Also, do not eat or drink anything during this timeframe because your teeth are porous and can stain easily. 

What are the Potential Side Effects of Whitening Strips? 

The most common side effects of whitening strips include sensitivity and gum irritation. These effects are typically mild and will not harm your dental health. To prevent irritation, follow the instructions carefully and don’t overuse the products. 

How to Use Zimba Teeth Whitening Powder 

Zimba teeth whitening powder is a peroxide-free alternative to whitening strips. Powders are ideal for those who have extra sensitive teeth or want to avoid alcohol and other chemicals. 

Zimba offers two types of whitening powders: minty and charcoal. The minty flavor contains natural ingredients like baking soda and peppermint oil to whiten teeth without sensitivity. 

Unlike whitening strips, Zimba’s whitening powder is peroxide-free. This means the products will not cause sensitivity or discomfort. 

The charcoal flavor contains activated charcoal, which claims to remove surface stains, plaque, and tartar, while also detoxifying and freshening the breath.3 Charcoal may also have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. 

Despite this, some dentists are concerned about the abrasiveness of charcoal, which may whiten teeth by removing enamel.2 Its use in dentistry has also not been studied in detail.4 Until more research comes out, NewMouth recommends Zimba’s minty whitening powder over the charcoal powder.

Zimba Whitening Strips vs. Crest Whitestrips

Zimba and Crest use hydrogen peroxide as the active bleaching agent, making them both effective whitening treatment options. 

The main difference between these two products is that Crest has the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. This seal means the product is highly effective and recommended by dentists around the nation. 

Zimba and Crest also use similar ingredients. But Zimba’s are more natural: 

Crest Whitestrips: PVP, PEG-8, water, hydrogen peroxide, acrylates copolymer, sodium hydroxide, sodium saccharin, glycerin, and carbomer. Zimba Whitening Strips: PVP K30, glycerin, hydroxypropyl cellulose, PVP K90, water, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, menthol, and other natural ingredients like coconut oil (depending on the flavor). 

Lastly, Zimba is more affordable than Crest. You’ll receive 20 full treatments with Crest 3D Whitestrips (for under $50). With Zimba, you can get 28 full treatments for the same price. 

Why Trust Us? How We Judge Whitening Products

All medical content on this site, including this guide and other product reviews, is written by our team of experienced writers and researchers. 

All NewMouth writers vet products that are recommended and reviewed in the industry. In cases where this is not possible, our team will:

Compare positive and negative reviews on the products.Talk to company leaders to ensure their products are safe and effective.Look into costs to ensure customers are getting the best quality products at reasonable pricesRead research studies to compare the pros and cons of each product.Every piece of content is heavily reviewed before publication. All content on NewMouth is also medically reviewed by a licensed dentist, specifically any content where we recommend products. 

Our dentists are specifically instructed to flag any recommendations they don’t agree with. Any products that don’t meet their professional standards are removed.

Zimba Teeth Whitening Review: Best Products & Kits

The NewMouth team put together a list of Zimba’s best whitening products. Read below for the full review:

1. Zimba Whitening Strips (2-Pack)

This affordable whitening bundle comes with two packs of whitening strips (28 treatments total). The strips are made with hydrogen peroxide, natural oils, and other desensitizing ingredients to provide a comfortable whitening experience. 

You can choose between nine different flavors. These include mint, peach, coconut, peppermint, wintergreen, spearmint, cinnamon, strawberry, and watermelon. 

For best results, use the strips for two consecutive weeks (30-minute treatments). Repeat every two to six months to maintain brightness. 

2. 3-Pack LED Light Whitening Kit

This affordable whitening bundle comes with two packs of whitening strips (28 treatments total). The strips are made with hydrogen peroxide, natural oils, and other desensitizing ingredients to provide a comfortable whitening experience. 

You can choose between nine different flavors. These include mint, peach, coconut, peppermint, wintergreen, spearmint, cinnamon, strawberry, and watermelon. 

For best results, use the strips for two consecutive weeks (30-minute treatments). Repeat every two to six months to maintain brightness. 

3. Zimba Minty Teeth Whitening Powder

Teeth whitening powder is a peroxide-free way to whiten your teeth. It is ideal for people who have extra sensitive teeth or want to avoid alcohol and other chemicals.

Zimba’s minty white powder is designed to leave your teeth glowing by scrubbing away plaque and tartar buildup. For best results, use the powders to maintain brightness in between Zimba whitening strip treatments. 

4. Zimba Travel Whitening Kit

This whitening kit is perfect for travel and on-the-go whitening. The kit comes with 28 whitening strips (14 treatments total), one teeth whitening pen, and a desensitizing serum. 

For best results, use the whitening pen in between whitening strip treatments. Then apply the desensitizing serum to your teeth after removal to prevent any discomfort/sensitivity. 

5. Zimba All In One Whitening Bundle

This bundle is a great option if you are looking for a complete whitening solution. It comes with a bamboo toothbrush, 28 whitening strips (14 treatments), minty whitening powder, and a desensitizing pen.  

Zimba Subscription Service: How Does it Work? 

In addition to one-time purchases, Zimba also offers a subscription service. This service is ideal for customers who want a consistent whitening regimen. You can cancel at any time. 

If you choose the subscription service, you’ll receive monthly or bi-monthly shipments of whitening products at a reduced price. You can also change the flavor of your whitening strips before each delivery.You’ll receive 20% off products with the subscription service. This deal is only available directly on Zimba’s website (not Amazon).

Read More

Does Baking Soda Whiten Enamel?

Nifty Nev
teeth whitening, Uncategorized |

Jump to topic

Does Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?

Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate. It is a fine, white powder with many household uses. The substance is primarily used as a leavening agent.

Sodium bicarbonate is also commonly used to whiten teeth and fix tooth discoloration. 

Is Baking Soda Good For Your Teeth?

Yes, baking soda is good for your teeth. While it cannot protect your teeth from cavities the same way fluoride toothpaste can, it is still considered an excellent cleaning agent for your teeth.

Baking soda toothpaste has antibacterial properties. This helps protect your teeth from tooth decay.1

How to Whiten Teeth With Baking Soda 

To whiten your teeth with baking soda, you will need the following:

A toothbrushStraight baking sodaA small bowl or shot glass

Here is how to whitening teeth with baking soda:

First, combine equal parts baking soda and water in a small bowl until you have created a baking soda paste.Then, dip your toothpaste into the baking soda paste and brush in gentle circles, ensuring you cover each tooth thoroughly with the solution. Continue brushing for around a minute.When you are finished, spit out the baking soda paste and rinse your mouth until your teeth are shiny and grit-free. 

How Not to Whiten Teeth With Baking Soda 

Some people suggest adding lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the baking soda mix to boost the whitening power of the solution. 

However, this may not be a good idea as the citric acid of the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar may affect the surface of the teeth and leave you vulnerable to cavities.

How Long Does it Take for Baking Soda to Whiten Teeth?

You can expect results after a couple of weeks of regular brushing with baking soda. However, using baking soda to whiten teeth is an abrasive process and should not be continued regularly.

Once you notice some results, reduce your brushing with baking soda to once or twice a week to lessen the potential damage to your teeth.

What About Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide?

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide work well together as a teeth whitener. 

Here is how to make a hydrogen peroxide paste:

Combine a few teaspoons of baking soda in a dish with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. Mix the baking soda and peroxide with a clean spoon.Continue adding more peroxide until you create a thick but not gritty paste.Take a toothbrush to apply the paste to your teeth with small circular motions for two minutes.Let the paste sit on your teeth for a few minutes. Then, completely rinse off the paste by swishing water around your mouth. Ensure you remove all the paste.

Benefits of Using Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide for Teeth Whitening

Here are some benefits of using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitener:

Reduces Plaque and Gingivitis 

Biofilms are colonies of bacteria that fix to the surface of your teeth and lead to problems like gingivitis and cavities. Dental plaque is one example of a biofilm.

When you brush your teeth with baking soda, its grains disrupt that biofilm, lessening the bacteria count and helping to stop damage to your teeth and gums.3

May Reduce Bacteria

Some harmful bacteria require more acidic conditions to thrive in your mouth. 

A 2017 study proved that when you rinse your mouth with baking soda, the pH in your mouth increases, reducing the acidity.4

Using baking soda as toothpaste may make it more difficult for cavity-causing bacteria to multiply in your mouth.4

Whitens Teeth

Baking soda is a natural bleaching agent with whitening properties. It is effective at removing stains on your teeth and giving you a brighter smile. That is why baking soda is a popular ingredient in many commercial toothpastes.

Studies have proven that baking soda is a mild abrasive that can remove stains from the outside of your teeth.5

Fluoride-Free

Excess fluoride can be toxic, especially to young children under six years old. However, it is essential to note that fluoride toxicity is rare. The risks are only an issue when a significant amount of fluoride is consumed.

Fluoride toxicity can lead to pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and heart and kidney issues. That is why many people prefer toothpaste such as baking soda free of fluoride and the risks of toxicity.6

Inexpensive

Baking soda is affordable and accessible in nearly every drugstore, grocery store, and large retailer.

Risks of Using Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide for Teeth Whitening

Here are some risks and disadvantages of using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening:

Unappealing Taste and Texture

The main downside of using baking soda is that it does not taste very pleasant for many people. Baking soda’s texture may make it feel like you have sand in your mouth.

If you want to experience the benefits of baking soda with a better texture, you can try a commercial toothpaste that includes baking soda as an ingredient.

If the texture of baking soda does not bother you, but the salty taste does, you could mix one or two drops of peppermint oil to the baking soda to improve the taste.

Less Dramatic Whitening

Baking soda is a mild abrasive. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends baking soda as safe for your enamel and dentin. But some researchers give it a low rating as a teeth whitening as it may not remove stains as well as some other products.

Lack of Fluoride

Toothpastes approved by the ADA have fluoride to prevent dental cavities. While fluoride is a natural element abundant in water, air, and our bones and teeth, extra fluoride in toothpaste gives an additional shield against tooth decay.

Using baking soda as your toothpaste does not provide you with the topical fluoride present in many commercial toothpastes. Using baking soda may not offer you the cavity protection you need.

How to Prevent Oral Health Damage From Baking Soda  

Baking soda is recognized as an acceptable product to use on teeth. It is an ingredient in many toothpastes with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance. However, it must be used with care.

With the right concentration, baking soda is not abrasive. It contains the same hardness as dentin and will not wear away your tooth structure considerably unless you are vigorously brushing your teeth. Always make sure you follow the instructions for brushing with baking soda properly and use the right concentrations,

The pH in baking soda will neutralize plaque acids in your mouth by heightening your mouth’s pH balance.

Other Affordable Ways to Whiten Teeth Naturally

Products containing hydrogen peroxide can whiten your teeth by oxidizing yellow and brown stains on the surface of your teeth.2 The most effective peroxide products are used in dentist offices. 

With potent formulas, certain steps must be taken to protect your tongue and gums from the potentially corrosive effects of hydrogen peroxide.

Natural remedies including coconut oil, lemon peel, and activated charcoal may also be effective teeth whiteners. Be sure to consult with your dentist first to ensure any of these treatments are safe for your teeth.

Read More