The desire for shiny white teeth and a perfect smile is widespread, making do-it-yourself whitening practices skyrocket in popularity. Unfortunately, most of these seemingly great life-hacks can severely damage your teeth. While everyone wants to save money wherever possible, sometimes it’s better to invest in professional treatment. Read on to learn about the hidden costs behind common DIY whitening trends and how your dentist can safely and effectively help you achieve a brighter grin.
Common DIY Teeth Whitening Trends
Most people are willing to try anything for a brilliant white smile. While DIY teeth whitening methods may seem like the perfect solution, they can be dangerous for several reasons. Let’s take a closer look at a few common trends:
Charcoal Products
Activated charcoal is one of the most recent trends to hit the market. While it does absorb stains and toxins, it’s an abrasive that scrapes away tooth enamel and can lead to increased sensitivity.
Lemon Juice
People claim that brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with lemon juice can whiten your smile. However, it’s highly acidic and can cause irreversible enamel loss when used directly on your teeth.
Oil Pulling
This ancient folk remedy promises to whiten teeth and remove toxins from your body, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Oil pulling can cause tooth sensitivity, jaw soreness, and digestive discomfort if ingested.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Most people believe that since hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) are whitening agents, they can be used directly on teeth. But this is not the case at all. If applied directly, these chemicals can irritate your gums, damage your teeth, and inflame your mouth’s soft tissues.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Have you noticed that most store-bought teeth whitening kits aren’t ADA approved? There’s a good reason for that. OTC bleaching products contain highly concentrated chemicals that can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. And if bleach gets into the nerve chamber of your tooth through a cavity, filling, or crack, it can cause severe discomfort, which will require dental treatment.
The Best Solution for a Whiter Smile
When it comes to your smile, you should always consult with a trained dental professional. Your oral health will benefit the most in the hands of an expert. They can help you achieve bright pearly whites in no time with an in-office teeth whitening treatment. It’s easy, fast, and most importantly, safe. Just one appointment can make your teeth up to eight shades brighter without putting them in harm’s way! Plus, you can enjoy your results for years with proper dental care.
Now that you know the dangers of DIY teeth whitening, you may want to think twice before following the latest trends. Instead, seek whitening treatment from a professional to ensure you can enjoy a healthy, bright grin for life.
About the Practice
At NeoSmile Dental Care, we can take care of your entire family’s oral health needs in one convenient location. Whether it’s time for your child’s routine checkup or you’re looking for services to enhance your smile, we’ve got you covered. Our in-office Zoom! Teeth Whitening procedure can safely eliminate all those pesky stains in as little as one hour. If you’re interested in this treatment, schedule an appointment via our website or call (215) 643-5220.
