In this post, we will talk about the Truth Behind Safe and Effective Teeth Whitening. Teeth whitening can remove stains and discolorations to improve your smile, with various methods ranging from toothpaste and toothbrushes to bleaching rinses and trays available to do just this. I think I have tried them all!
Whitening products may cause irreparable harm to your enamel, leaving your teeth more sensitive and susceptible to decay. Home remedies like salt and vinegar or strawberries may also erode its protective layer and become harmful.
Let’s dig deeper and find out the truth behind safe and effective teeth whitening!
It’s Not Permanent
Whitening is an accessible and popular cosmetic treatment that produces whiter teeth quickly and safely. It is a safe, efficient solution for eliminating both intrinsic (deep) and extrinsic stains.
However, its effects will gradually fade as you consume foods or beverages that stain your teeth; you’ll need touch-up sessions regularly to maintain a dazzling white smile.
At-home whitening kits with peroxide-based bleaching agents are the most commonly used whitening method and include various systems.
Things like trays filled with the whitening gel worn over several hours each day or dissolving strips such as Crest Whitening Strips that dissolve in your mouth.
Home remedies for teeth whitening have grown increasingly popular over time, such as using baking soda or coconut oil and lemon juice in a mixture for teeth whitening.
While many dentists advise against these home methods as they can be too aggressive and damage the outer layer of enamel, revealing yellow dentin underneath.
It’s Not Safe
Some whitening products may cause enamel to wear away and result in tooth pain and white spots on your teeth. You can avoid this scenario by finding a dentist or dental professional who uses products specifically tailored to meet your needs, and following their instructions closely.
Some over-the-counter whitening products contain high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which may cause sensitivities for some users.
By visiting your dentist for in-office or at-home trays custom fit to your teeth whitening treatments or custom-fitted trays to minimize gum sensitivity, these ingredients won’t come into direct contact with gums and could help lessen any feelings of sensitivity.
Other at-home methods for whitening your smile, like activated charcoal and vinegar consumption, are not safe or effective.
Activated charcoal could bind with compounds that stain your teeth and damage them further. Furthermore, vinegar consumption does not help whiten teeth; its acids could in fact eat away at your enamel and lead to tooth sensitivity or decay.
It’s Not Effective
Whitening is one of the most widely performed cosmetic dental procedures and is generally safe and effective when completed correctly.
Professional teeth bleaching usually involves in-office bleaching that utilizes higher concentrations of peroxide than OTC products to reduce tooth sensitivity and soft tissue irritation.
At home, hydrogen peroxide whitening gels come in the form of trays or strips and should be used according to manufacturer instructions (usually twice per day for 14 days). They should lighten your teeth by one or two shades.
People looking to whiten their teeth naturally may turn to home remedies like baking soda and apple cider vinegar as possible solutions, although these methods aren’t advised by dental professionals.
Baking soda has high relative dentin abrasivity (RDA), which may damage teeth; while vinegar’s acidity will erode enamel. Wood ash has also been tried, though as it contains lye, it could cause permanent damage.
It’s Not Affordable
Many over-the-counter and in-office whitening methods use bleaching ingredients, like carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, to brighten teeth.
These methods typically come in strips, gels, or trays. Most often hydrogen peroxide boasts a higher concentration than carbamide peroxide when it comes to teeth whitening products.
Crest Whitestrips, which offers a 35 percent solution with blue LED light to boost penetration and speed results, is currently the top-selling whitening product on the market, according to NY Great Smiles. Their results typically last up to 36 months according to this analysis.
Pen or gel-based teeth whitening systems are another popular whitening choice, which you can apply directly to the front of your teeth for up to 30 minutes and leave in place for as many as seven applications over time.
Although they require more frequent applications and may cost less than tray-based whitening systems, pens or gels do require multiple applications per session and may take more time between each application session.
In conclusion, while teeth whitening is an accessible and popular cosmetic treatment, it’s essential to consider its safety and effectiveness.
Visiting a dental professional, such as those at King City Dental, ensures that you receive personalized care with products tailored to your needs, minimizing risks and maximizing results.
Remember, maintaining a dazzling white smile requires regular touch-up sessions and proper care to ensure long-lasting effects and overall dental health.
