4 At-Home Teeth Whitening Myths

Who is your style icon? Most people can clatter off the names of several celebrities whose look they adore and try to emulate. From makeup to clothes, people use celebrities as a model for what is good-looking. That said, some people hardly ever notice that the one thing most fashion stars and celebrities have alike — a flawless smile.

That is because our stars of screen and stage know that having pearly white teeth speaks volumes about personality and health. It is no wonder you may want to emulate a celebrity.

Because of all the teeth whitening options available to people, let's clear up a few myths surrounding this treatment.

“DIY teeth whitening kits are a high-quality and low-cost option.”

Even though most at-home teeth whitening kits boast about reduced prices when compared to in-office treatments, many DIY choices end up costing more in the end due to the effects not lasting long. Also, many at-home treatments use harmful abrasives in their formulas to reduce stains. This wears at the tooth's enamel, which will intensify the sensitivity and is prone to staining in the future.

“Teeth whitening hurts sensitive teeth.”

This one is half true; several at-home kits will aggravate sensitive teeth. That is not always the case with treatments offered by a qualified dentist. With an almost infinite amount of whitening options at your disposal, the doctor can find a solution that works, regardless of how sensitive your teeth are.

Many of these options are simple solutions as well. For example, the doctor may recommend toothpaste that is engineered with oral sensitivity in mind. This will help to prepare the teeth for the whitening treatment.

“Whitening treatments strip teeth of their enamel.”

Although at-home choices may include harsh ingredients that can cause permanent damage to the enamel, in-office teeth whitening treatments keep oral health in mind.

Instead of applying a formula designed to strip the teeth of stains with chemicals, in-office whitening treatments operate by opening the teeth's microscopic pores. They can then whiten the tooth with their low-impact cleaning and whitening mixtures without disturbing the enamel.

“Laser tooth whitening is unsafe.”

The laser used by the doctor is an elaborate LED or UV light, which is used to activate the whitening compounds and allows for deeper penetration of cleaning solutions. Despite being called a laser, the light emitted during the whitening treatment is safe.

Bottom Line

As is true of most things health-related, prevention is more effective than treatment. A person can avoid tooth discoloration and staining by flossing and brushing, avoiding smoking, limiting consumption of beverages that stain teeth, such as coffee, tea and wine, and getting regular professional cleanings.

If your teeth are already discolored, then it is a good idea to speak with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists. Our professionals can check your teeth and make recommendations on how to improve their appearance. Many options are available, so we will work with you to find one that is affordable and effective.

Request an appointment here: https://www.ddsbaik.com or call Dennis Baik, DDS at (408) 676-5321 for an appointment in our San Jose office.

Related Posts

In Chair Teeth Whitening From Your Dentist

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures patients ask their dentists about. We all want a smile that is healthy and white. Our smile can sometimes make or break our first impression. Throughout our lifetime, we put our teeth through a lot. We eat hard candy, chewing gum, and munch on all types of…

3 Reasons To Get Teeth Whitening Trays From A Dentist

Making a teeth whitening choice requires one to be very strategic, as there are many different types of options to decide between. The fact that some over the counter whitening products are not as safe as one may think, makes it essential for anyone who wants whiter teeth to make an educated decision. Ready to…

Are Yellowing Teeth Aging Your Smile? Try Teeth Whitening

As unfortunate as it is, everyone’s teeth begin to yellow over time, but with the help of teeth whitening agents, your smile can be sparkly again! Yellowing teeth is definitely a sign of aging and it tends to occur gradually over time. This occurs due to heavily dyed beverages that stain the teeth, a lack…

Questions To Ask If You Are Considering Teeth Whitening 

Teeth whitening is a common bleaching process used to brighten the enamel and dentin of the tooth. Dietary choices and aging can stain and discolor teeth. Enjoying a coffee, tea, cigarette, soda or wine can leave dark stains on the teeth. To correct these spots, many people turn to teeth whitening. While you can try…


Related Posts

Straightening Teeth With A Cosmetic Dentist

Straightening Teeth With A Cosmetic Dentist

If you want to improve the look of your smile, then the first person to visit is your local cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dental care that covers all the different types of aesthetic treatments that make your smile look its best. If you have alignment issues making your teeth look crooked,…

Reasons To Consider A Root Canal

Reasons To Consider A Root Canal

A root canal treatment can restore a severely decayed or damaged tooth. This invasive procedure can help improve your dental health. Knowing why you need this treatment can motivate you to schedule an appointment soon. Here are the reasons to consider a root canal treatment.Gum disease, decay, or dental damage can lead to dental infection.…