Having a gorgeous set of pearly whites can be a huge confidence booster for most people. After all, who doesn’t want a bright, healthy smile?
DIY teeth whitening has become increasingly popular in recent years since the desire for whiter teeth has become widespread thanks to the rise of social media. These hacks may seem like easy, inexpensive techniques for brightening your smile, but they can come with hidden costs.
Read on to learn how these at-home methods are damaging your teeth, and why you should consider seeking professional treatment instead.
Charcoal Oral Health Products
Activated charcoal—one of the biggest trends to hit the market. People claim using toothpaste or other products containing this ingredient can eliminate stains and toxins, leaving you with a whiter smile.
However, charcoal is an abrasive that scrapes away tooth enamel while removing stains, and once the enamel is eroded, it cannot grow back. This puts your teeth at increased risk of tooth sensitivity and dental decay.
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Another popular trend is the use of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to “naturally” bleach teeth. While both have proven effective at removing stains, they still pose a great risk to your dental health. It’s unsafe to apply these two products directly onto your teeth, as they can damage the enamel and soft tissues in your mouth.
Lemon Juice
Advocates of this method claim brushing or rinsing with lemon juice can brighten your smile. However, lemons are extremely acidic and although they may offer temporary results, citric acid can result in permanent enamel loss when used directly on your teeth.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
You may have seen the shelves of at-home teeth whitening kits during your weekly grocery run and considered trying one out as a quick solution. Well, there’s a reason why these products aren’t ADA approved.
When using over-the-counter bleaching products, you run the risk of causing serious dental damage if your oral health is in bad shape. Bleach may get into the nerve chamber of your tooth through a cavity, filling, or crack which can result in severe pain which will require dental treatment.
How Can I Safely Whiten My Teeth?
The best thing you can do for your oral health is to consult with a dental professional. They can help you achieve the smile of your dreams with a professional tooth whitening treatment that you can use either in-office or at home.
Why DIY when you can safely, and effectively, brighten your teeth professionally within the comfort of your home? If you’re interested in learning more, ask your cosmetic dentist about the services they offer so you can find a solution that best meets your needs.
Don’t put your smile at risk—instead of following the latest trends, seek the advice of a professional and they’ll ensure you get a healthy, beautiful smile you can enjoy for life.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean studied at the Dawson Academy and the Pankey Institute. He is also a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Dean’s passion is helping patients achieve their desired smile goals whiling maintaining good dental health. Using GLO Whitening, Dr. Dean can help you achieve a smile that’s 6 to 8 shades whiter. If you’re ready for a bright, healthy grin, contact us via our website or call (770) 786-3915.