Teeth Whitening Truths and Myths
When you want to have a brighter smile, you may consider teeth whitening. However, you may have some questions about things you have heard in the past. Your dentist can answer any questions you may have about whitening. But you can read on to learn some truths – and myths – about teeth whitening.
Myth: whitening toothpaste works well
Many patients want to whiten teeth by using whitening toothpaste. This toothpaste is often available at a higher price than typical toothpaste. However, it is only a waste of money to purchase these. To whiten teeth well, the chemicals need to remain on the teeth for a longer period of time. Brushing the teeth usually takes only a few minutes, so the toothpaste will not begin to work.
Myth: hydrogen peroxide and baking soda whiten teeth
Solutions to whiten the teeth at home often do not work very well. Baking soda can disturb the balance of bacteria in a patient’s mouth. There are some good bacteria and these can be killed by baking soda. This can cause oral health problems. Hydrogen peroxide can damage the tissue.
Truth: veneers and crowns cannot be whitened
According to the American Dental Association, dental restorations cannot be whitened. To address any discoloration or staining, the entire tooth will need to be replaced. Patients who are considering restorations should get whitening done first. The color may appear uneven if whitening is done after restorations.
Truth: it is better to get teeth whitening at the dentist
Getting professional teeth whitening may initially cost more than over-the-counter solutions. However, patients often have significantly different experiences with the two. Often, professional teeth whitening does not cost that much more. The results are better too because the dentist has experience in teeth whitening. In addition, patients are less likely to damage their teeth or mouth tissues.
Myth: fruit or coconut oil will whiten teeth
Many people consider using lemons, strawberries or even banana peels to whiten teeth. Unfortunately, this does not work well. In fact, it can even cause damage to the teeth. The fruit has sugar in it and rubbing it on the teeth can cause decay. The acid from fruits, such as lemons, will eat away at the enamel. Overall, rubbing fruit on the teeth can cause the teeth to become more discolored.
Instead, getting professional whitening will do a better job. Other patients may try coconut oil for whitening by doing “oil pulling.” However, no studies have shown that this method will work for teeth whitening. The benefits of coconut oil are still being studied. There is little evidence that oil pulling has many health benefits.
Visit a dentist today
If you are considering teeth whitening, it is better to talk to your dentist about it. That way, any concerns of yours can be addressed. You should avoid using teeth whitening products from a drugstore. Instead, consider investing in your smile with professional whitening treatments. Your smile will thank you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Dental crowns can restore your smile. These restorations can bring back your normal dental function at the same time. Understanding the reasons to get caps to improve your looks can motivate you to set an appointment. Here are the cosmetic reasons for getting dental crowns.Severe decay deteriorates the enamel. This condition weakens the dental structure.…
Dental crowns are often costly and require that a dentist remove a significant amount of the tooth's structure to place them. Read on to learn about dental crown alternatives. Other treatment alternatives are sometimes available that are either less expensive or significantly less invasive. Dental crowns are frequently used to restore severely damaged teeth.The following…
Dental crowns are one of the most well-known dental restorations. Most people have some idea of what dental crowns are. However, if you have never had one and this is your first time getting one, you may have many questions about what to expect. Here are some frequently asked questions about dental crowns that will…
Anyone with damaged, decayed, discolored, or misaligned teeth might be an ideal candidate for dental crowns. Also called caps, these restorations have various uses in dentistry and are often combined with other restorations like implants and bridges.A dental crown is a tooth-shaped shell that covers up the visible part of a tooth, protecting it against…