Teeth whiteninggives your teeth a pearly white appearance.
However, this popular teeth treatment is not immune to several myths, leading to confusion and diverse options. For example, some people believe that lemon juice whitens the teeth. Then, there are others who think that professional teeth whitening damages the teeth. Or maybe you are expecting long-lasting results with teeth whitening. Some people think that baking soda is the best teeth whitening remedy.
Join us as we debunk some popular misconceptions about teeth whitening.
Myth 1: Teeth Whitening Will Damage Tooth Enamel
Do you think that teeth whitening will weaken your tooth enamel or destroy it completely? You need to think again.
The dentist may have whitening gel that has a bleaching agent as its ingredient. The gel is activated by a laser. This process is performed multiple times to achieve the desired results. Although this process may lead to sensitivity, it doesn’t lead to the abrasion of the tooth enamel. The sensitivity will start going away in a few days.
Teeth whitening products used by dentists are safer than unsupervised bleaching kits used at home. These bleaching kits can damage your gums and teeth, thanks to their intense chemicals abrading the tooth enamel, which causes teeth sensitivity.
Myth 2: Teeth Whitening Gives Instant Results
While teeth whitening can make your teeth look brighter, it is not an instant process. Some treatments can give quicker results after a single session. However, it takes multiple sessions to achieve a desired level of whiteness.
For example, bleaching is used to whiten the teeth. They take time to break down stains within the tooth enamel. Therefore, expecting a complete transformation in a matter of minutes is not realistic. You need to be patient and show consistency to get the desired results.
Myth 3: Teeth Whitening Damages Dental Restoration
Many people have various types of dental restorations, such as dental fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. If you are one of them, it is quite natural to wonder if teeth whitening can damage your dental restoration.
Like we said before, the whitening gel used by a dentist is totally safe. The active ingredient in the gel doesn’t impact relatively porous enamel because it is a natural material. It is also worth mentioning that restorations provide a solid surface that is not affected by the whitening gel.
However, it also comes with a downside. The teeth whitening gel does not brighten the restoration like natural teeth.
Myth 4: Lemons and Strawberries Brighten Teeth
The fans of DIY teeth whitening may find it a bit shocking. Using crushed strawberries and lemon juice is a home remedy for teeth whitening. They say that the acidic nature of the lemons can remove harmful bacteria and stains from the teeth. However, the results are minimal and short-lived.
Also, keep in mind that the acid present in them can gradually erode the enamel instead of whitening the teeth. On top of that, the sugar in them may create additional problems for your dental health by promoting bacterial growth.
Myth 5: OTC Teeth Whiteners are the Same as Professional Solutions
It is also a common belief that teeth whitening products available at the drugstore are as effective as those used by a dentist. So, there is no need to opt for professional teeth whitening. Right? Not right.
Contrary to popular belief, there is a difference between the drugstore teeth whitener and a teeth whitener used by professionals. Professional teeth whitener has generally a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide—often 15% to 43%–than OTC products, which generally contain 3% to 10% peroxide. This higher potency lets the dentist achieve more dramatic results with a few sessions.
But that doesn’t mean you should use a professional whitener instead of the one meant for general use. Keep in mind that a dentist first assesses to see if you are a good candidate for the whitener made from a potent bleaching solution. They also use custom-fitted trays for even application of the gel to the teeth, preventing gum irritation.
Myth 6: Whitening Toothpaste is enough
Whitening toothpastes are a fad, ensuring super-bright teeth, thanks to aggressive marketing gimmicks that establish them as the best teeth whitening solution. While whitening toothpaste can brighten your teeth, it is not efficient when it comes to removing deep stains. These toothpastes cause whitening for the short term without significant results.
Generally, whitening toothpaste comes with abrasive particles or mild bleaching agents to remove surface stains. However, professional whitening treatments give you more noticeable results.
Myth 7: Baking Soda is a Good Whitening Agent
Baking soda is hailed for its natural whitening agent. However, it may not be safe for the teeth due to its abrasive nature. It can affect tooth enamel if used incorrectly. Although it can be useful for removing surface stains temporarily, prolonged use can cause enamel erosion and increased tooth sensitivity. Make sure to talk to your dentist before using baking soda to brighten your teeth.
Myth 8: Whitening is Painful
This is also a misconception that teeth whitening treatment hurts. However, you can experience sensitivity that is likely to go away after a few days. You can be recommended desensitizing toothpastes or treatment to manage any discomfort. Those with pre-existing sensitivity may need to opt for whitening with more caution under professional advice.
Myth 9: Any Stain Can be Whitened
Unfortunately, even the best teeth whitening service cannot fix all stains. It can only address common stains caused by tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco. It may not help you with the stain-resistant to bleaching, including those caused by antibiotics, excessive fluorosis, trauma, and restoration.
Myth 10: Whitening Lasts Forever
We wish it could. Teeth whitening results can last anywhere between two and two years. They are not permanent. However, the longevity of your teeth whitening is also determined by your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits. If you consume stain-causing foods and beverages (such as tea, coffee, and red wine) or smoke, your teeth will start losing their shine.
The Bottom Line:
We hope that this blog post has debunked your common misconceptions about teeth whitening. Understanding the facts can be the first step towards a safe and effective teeth whitening. We at Jain Dental Care help you achieve the radiant smile you are looking for. We provide personalized consultations, discuss your unique needs, and recommend the best teeth whitening options and other treatments. Get in touch now!
