The Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening

A GOOD-LOOKING SMILE with white, even teeth is a major confidence booster and really helps make a good first impression. Whether you’re going on a date or a job interview it’s well accepted that white teeth and a big smile are attractive signs of health. These factors combined with increase in social media influencers has given rise to a number of do-it-yourself teeth whitening methods. While these might seem like great life-hacks to try, many of them can actually do serious damage to your teeth.

Common DIY Whitening Trends

Over the last couple of years, you’ve probably heard about some of these trendy teeth whitening approaches, such as

• activated charcoal
• lemon juice
• oil pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient folk remedy. There is no scientific evidence to back up the claims about its health benefits. Lemon juice is absolutely a bad idea, because you’re essentially applying a strong acid directly to your teeth. Tooth enamel is highly vulnerable to acid, and enamel loss is permanent.

Activated charcoal might be able to absorb stains and toxins from some surfaces. However, those benefits are debatable when it comes to enamel and dentine, because charcoal is also abrasive. With repeated use, it could be scraping away enamel even as it removes stains. Hold off on buying that tube of charcoal toothpaste until you see the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Definitely don’t mix up your own version.

What About Peroxide And Baking Soda?

Another recent DIY whitening trend is use of baking soda in the pantry and the hydrogen peroxide in the medicine cabinet to bleach teeth. The reasoning behind this idea is that hydrogen peroxide is used in professional whitening and baking soda is present in many ADA approved whitening toothpastes, and both proven to be effective at removing stains.

While it is true that peroxide and baking soda are used in professional and approved whitening products doesn’t mean these are safe chemicals to apply to our teeth ourselves. There is a delicate balance between using too little, which won’t produce much of a whitening effect, and using too much, will damage the enamel and burn soft tissues all around the mouth. Only dental professionals have the knowledge, training, and materials needed to strike that balance safely.

Come To The Right Place For Whitening

Put your trust in dental professionals and their safer products for your whitening needs rather than trying something risky at home. Bring your teeth whitening questions with you to your next appointment. Together, we can make a plan for how best to whiten your smile. The best things you can do to keep your smile bright is to keep up with daily brushing and flossing habits, avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, don’t smoke and visit a dental clinic for regular scale and cleans.

Professional scale and cleans remove nasty bacteria hidden within thick yellow calcium deposits, reduces bleeding gums and polishes stain away. Often having your teeth professionally cleaned will also improve their appearance. Conversly whitening your teeth without having a scale and clean prior will not improve the overall appearance because thick original stain causing particles still remain.

Improve the colour of your teeth first and foremost with a good scale and clean

We’re here to help you get the smile of your dreams!