The vast majority of whitening strips are risk-free. However, if you use whitening strips containing chlorine dioxide, you risk destroying your teeth's enamel. The same acid that is used to sterilize swimming pools is chlorine dioxide. It whitens teeth by eroding the enamel's surface. Once exposed, the dentin below can then be seen through this eroded layer revealing its white interior. Chlorine dioxide reacts with other chemicals present in some products, such as hydrogen peroxide and urea, to create chlorite ions. These ions then break down into chloride and oxygen atoms, which can erode tooth enamel. The only way to avoid this danger is not to use any product containing chlorine dioxide additives. Whitening strips are just one of many home dental care products out there. There are tools specifically designed to remove plaque and tartar from between your teeth, as well as items that help clean your tongue of bacteria. Knowing what these products contain can help you decide whether or not they're right for you. For example, you should avoid using metal shavings on your gums because it can cause serious problems if a piece gets stuck between your teeth. There are several different types of whitening strips on the market today. They all work by changing the color of saliva. As you would expect, the more common types include blue, green, and pink. It is also possible to get red, gold, and clear strips.