Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you—so you might feel pretty embarrassed if your teeth are yellow and stained! But your situation isn’t hopeless; luckily, there are many ways to whiten your teeth safely and effectively. However, you might be tempted to opt for store-bought whitening products or DIY methods that you’ve heard success stories about. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about some of the potential dangers of these products and methods, and why you should leave teeth whitening to the professionals.
DIY Whitening Methods & Their Risks
There are many trendy items and strategies out there that some people claim will whiten your teeth. Here are some of the common ones and their associated risks:
- Citric-based solutions – Some trends involve using lemon juice or other citric-based solutions to whiten your teeth; but you’re basically applying acid to your teeth when you do this!
- Charcoal – Another common trend involves using activated charcoal (or a charcoal toothpaste) to whiten your teeth. The ingredient is meant to draw out the impurities from your teeth; but charcoal is highly abrasive and can wear down your tooth enamel—which doesn’t grow back once it’s gone!
- Baking soda – Many toothpastes contain baking soda, and some people even make their own. And while baking soda does naturally whiten teeth, it is still a mildly abrasive agent and can weaken your enamel over time.
- Over-the-counter products – There are many types of bleaching kits and whitening gels and strips that are available at most stores. But the vast majority of these products, while affordable, cannot offer lasting whitening results.
Why You Should Seek Professional Teeth Whitening
If you truly want a whiter and brighter smile, you should visit your dentist and let them handle whitening your teeth. They can provide in-office whitening, which is performed in their office using special tools and equipment, or they will send you home with a professional-grade whitening kit. Both methods are reliable and certain to produce lasting results that are fully visible within days. Assuming you take good care of your teeth, their new shine can last for 2 – 3 years! You will never achieve these superb results with DIY methods or store-bought products, period. But it’s just another day at the office for your dentist.
You don’t have to settle for a stained smile; however, you also don’t have to settle for subpar and ineffective whitening solutions! Skip all the weird and dangerous trends and talk with your dentist if you’re serious about teeth whitening; the professional route is the way to go.
About the Practice
Meadowbrook Dentistry is proud to serve the dental needs of patients and families in the Plainview area! The practice is led by the skilled trio of Dr. Publio Silfa, Dr. Miguel A. Casañas Jr., and Dr. Bryan Tamburro. They offer a wide range of available services, including teeth whitening! If you have any questions about teeth whitening or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice online or by phone at (516) 346-5655.