Most people, when asked what they’d like to improve about their smile, say they want whiter teeth.
Teeth whitening is hugely popular, all around the world. You can tell by all the toothpastes, whitening products, and devices lining store aisle shelves. While there are many do-it-yourself methods – such as over-the-counter whitening strips, charcoal whitening powder, and LED teeth whitening – most are not recommended by dentists.
If you’re considering whitening your teeth, make sure you use the most reliable and safest methods. Here we try to separate the facts from fiction about these products. If in doubt, ask your dentist for his or her recommendations.
True:
- Getting your teeth whitened by a professional dentist is the best way to go for safe and optimal results. A dentist can identify the best methods that will work on your teeth.
- If done properly, brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes can make them whiter.
- Use a whitening toothpaste with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance to make sure you whiten your teeth in a safe manner. Some whitening toothpastes contain ingredients such as calcium carbonate, which break down the enamel instead of protecting it. Look for a whitening toothpaste that contains carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide that help whiten teeth quickly and effectively.
False:
- Do-it-yourself teeth whitening kits, including strips, gels, and LED light methods are safe and effective. This is FALSE. These products are often ineffective and unsafe and may leave your teeth with more damage and sensitivity than before.
- Using scrubs like baking soda or charcoal are safe and effective. This is FALSE. While they may remove surface stains, they are actually abrasive and may make your teeth look more discolored. Enamel is what you’re looking to whiten, but if you damage it, you run the risk of exposing the dentin layer, which looks more yellow than white.
- Eating certain fruits can help whiten your teeth. This is FALSE. Fruits that are naturally acidic such as lemons and oranges can strip enamel and cause tooth decay. Food or drinks that stain the teeth such as coffee and red wine are typically acidic and harmful to efforts to whiten your teeth.
To learn more about teeth whitening, and what you can do to effectively and safely protect your pearly white smile, call the dentists at Dedicated Dental at (702) 566-5509 to request an appointment or request one online.
