Six Common Myths of Teeth Whitening
A bright smile not only improves your appearance, but it also boosts your confidence and esteem. That’s why teeth whitening has become the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. Despite the various options available, there exist a plethora of misconceptions about teeth whitening, which creates confusion on which is the best option available. Here are six common myths and facts.
1. Myth: Professional In-office Procedure and At-Home Whitening Kits Offer Same Results
At-home whitening kits are commonly used because they are affordable and readily accessible. However, they are not as effective as getting the procedure from the dentist.
Both at-home kits and dental whitening solutions contain hydrogen peroxide but at different levels. At-home whitening kits have around three percent hydrogen peroxide levels, but others have higher amounts, which can cause gum sensitivity.
In-office dental solutions, on the other hand, have higher amounts, but since they are applied by a dentist, they cause less sensitivity.
We recommend professional teeth whitening because the dentist will not only be gentle but will also apply a protective gel on the gums. Furthermore, we offer Guided Light Optic whitening technology that maximizes the results of the teeth whitening. The technology uses a combination of heat resistors and LED light to hasten the whitening procedure.
2. Myth: Anyone Can Whiten Their Teeth
Despite its effectiveness, teeth whitening is not ideal for some people such as:
- Pregnant and lactating women
- Children under 16 years
- People with tooth sensitivity and allergies
- Gum disease, cavities, or exposed enamel
- Presence of filling and other dental restorations such as veneers, bridges, or crowns
Dental restorations are tooth-colored, but they can’t be whitened (but can get discolored). Therefore, undergoing teeth whitening with the dental crowns will result in uneven color. Any whitening procedure is to be done before the dental restorations are fixed to allow our Sugar Land dentist to choose a suitable shade.
3. Myth: You Only Need One Treatment
Contrary to what most people think, teeth whitening is not permanent. The results can last between four months and one year, but this varies from person to person.
The teeth can get discolored faster if you overconsume coffee, tea, wine, or tobacco.
4. Myth: Baking Soda Works Too
Baking soda has been thought to help in teeth whitening. However, according to dentists, baking soda is not as effective as other whitening products. Furthermore, continual use of baking soda will damage the enamel, making it susceptible to cavities. Using baking soda, if you have braces, can cause the brackets to loosen.
Remember, baking soda doesn’t contain fluoride, and you will still need to use toothpaste to strengthen your teeth.
5. Myth: Activated Charcoal is an Alternative
Activate charcoal has been marketed as an effective alternative to hydrogen peroxide, but it’s not. According to dentists, the product causes more harm than good. Activated charcoal, if used incorrectly or too often, can erode the enamel, and once it’s stripped off, it doesn’t grow back. Plus, it can cause tooth sensitivity, and increase the risk of teeth decay.
Activated charcoal does eliminate stains in the short term. However, they can become yellow because of the thinning of the enamel, which exposes more dentine.
Our dental team advises checking the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance before buying any dental product. Activated charcoal doesn’t have the seal.
6. Myth: Fruit Can Also Whiten Your Teeth
Rubbing fruit such as lemon or strawberries doesn’t whiten your teeth. These fruits contain acid that can wear off your enamel. This further increases your risk of decay and permanent damage to the teeth.
Teeth Whitening Has Some Risks
Regardless of the form of teeth whitening, there is a possibility you will have tooth sensitivity because of the hydrogen peroxide. As mentioned, our dentist will apply a protective gel in the gum, which reduces the chances of tooth sensitivity.
Take Action
Teeth whitening, if done by a qualified dentist, can yield the best results. At Bella Smiles, we offer Philips®️ ZOOM!, a professional in-office teeth whitening treatment. Professional teeth whitening causes less sensitivity compared to other methods. We can also provide you with a professional take-home treatment if you prefer to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your home.