With how common it is to have a stained or otherwise discolored smile, it should come as no surprise that many people search for ways to whiten their teeth at home. As far as DIY whitening is concerned, there are plenty of options to choose from – but they generally come with a certain level of risk compared to a professional treatment. Below, you can learn more about some common at-home teeth whitening trends – and the dangers they pose.
Charcoal Whitening
Supposedly, charcoal is able to absorb the particles that cause tooth stains, thus leaving you with a brighter-looking smile. However, most dentists do not recommend using charcoal as a whitening method because it is known for being quite abrasive. Consequently, it can scrape layers off of the enamel protecting your teeth – and there’s no way to get back enamel that has been lost. This is a major reason why the ADA has not approved any charcoal-based whitening products.
Over-the-Counter Bleaching Kits
There are two types of whitening kits: professional ones provided by dentists and over-the-counter ones that can be found at a variety of stores. It can be tempting to choose an over-the-counter option simply because of the lower price it offers. However, there’s a chance that you could have an unidentified cavity, and with no dental professional involved, you may not catch it before beginning the whitening process. This is problematic because trying to bleach a decayed tooth can lead to severe discomfort.
Professional whitening kits are preferable over store-bought ones because your dentist will always check for dental issues first to avoid complications. You’ll also enjoy the benefit of having your kit expertly customized to meet your needs.
Baking Soda
Baking soda has been shown to have teeth-whitening properties. As such, some individuals try to brighten their smiles by making baking soda toothpaste at home. However, the abrasive nature of baking soda means that it can gradually weaken your enamel. This can make your teeth more sensitive than normal, and you might have a higher risk of developing a cavity. For this reason, it’s better to stick with professional whitening options.
Store-Bought Whitening Products
From gels to strips to pens, there are all kinds of products that promise to remove tooth stains and dental discoloration. While they are usually very cheap and easy to apply, there’s a good chance that they won’t deliver the results you have in mind. For example, when you apply whitening strips, you might have a hard time getting them to touch the entire visible surface area of your smile, meaning the edges of your teeth might still look discolored. Professional whitening yields much more reliable results.
It’s only natural to want to get rid of the embarrassing stains on your grin, but following the latest DIY trends often isn’t a good idea. Instead, set up a consultation with your dentist to see what whitening options they’re able to recommend.
About the Author
Dr. Hamid Ranjbaran went to the Baylor College of Dentistry for his dental education. He loves getting to show his patients just how easy it can be to get the smiles that they’ve always wanted. If you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening, he can recommend an in-office treatment or a personalized take-home kit. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ranjbaran at Southwest Dental in Rio Rancho, visit his website or call (505) 896-9399.