Teeth whitening is all the hype these days. Brands are manufacturing all sorts of products promising whiter teeth. Some even go so far as to promise whiter teeth after only one use.
While the general public may be buying into the hype, however, these teeth whitening solutions may not be all that they claim to be. Let us help you separate the truth from the myths so you can make an informed decision and better care for your teeth while whitening them.
Myths About Teeth Whitening
When myths start to become public, at some point, people start to believe them. Product manufacturers also jump on the bandwagon to try and sell you their teeth whitening products — but what is the truth behind these myths?
Myth: Off the Shelf Products Can Whiten Teeth
Many companies are selling “whitening toothpaste,” which is typically more expensive than regular toothpaste — but don’t spend your money on it. To properly lighten teeth, the chemicals used must stay in contact with the tooth for an extended amount of time.
Because most people wash and rinse their teeth in under a minute, any whitening agent in toothpaste will never get a chance to work.
It’s undeniable that in-store teeth-whitening products have come a long way in the last year. Many of them could assist in the removal of surface stains, making your teeth appear whiter.
However, for safety reasons, the amount of active chemicals in store-bought kits are low. As a result, they will not be able to get you the same outcome as procedures prescribed or done by a skilled cosmetic dentist.
Additionally, there are articles all over the internet saying you can concoct your own homemade teeth whitening solution by mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. We cannot stress enough that you should NEVER use any solution that is not authorized by health institutions.
Some of these homemade solutions will disrupt the natural balance of acidity, good vs. bad bacteria levels, and may cause further oral health issues.
Myth: Whitened Teeth Last Forever
Stain forms on the surfaces of teeth exposed to food and drinks. Yellowing substances that deposit colour onto the enamel include coffee, tea, chocolate, wine, and tobacco. As the barrier is broken down by skilled whitening solutions, new deposits form almost instantly.
However, with a simple care plan, whitened teeth can last for 1 to 2 years and may even last for much longer. If you choose professional teeth whitening with Lambton Family Dental, they can create a personalized treatment plan to restore the whiteness of your teeth.
Myth: All Teeth Can Be Whitened
While most teeth can be whitened, you can’t whiten teeth that are significantly damaged or dead. If this is the case, there are a variety of different treatments available to you, such as porcelain veneers or crowns.
Myth: Teeth Whitening Can Weaken Teeth and Strip Away Enamel
There is a common misconception floating around that tooth whitening treatments hurt your teeth by removing the enamel. This is not true.
While some extremely abrasive store-bought whitening treatments can be harmful to your teeth, anything recommended or used by your dentist is designed to be safe and healthy. Modern teeth whitening procedures are also safe and do not erode teeth enamel which is why teeth whitening is becoming more and more popular.
Reasons You Should Get Your Teeth Whitened
Getting your teeth whitened may seem like an unnecessary elective procedure, but there are good reasons why getting them whitened is something you should consider.
Everyday Food Can Stain Teeth
You cannot avoid staining your teeth forever. Even food that is recommended by nutritionists and health experts will at some point cause staining in your teeth. Common beverages, like coffee, tea, and soda, can also stain teeth.
Teeth Whitening Boosts Your Confidence
Teeth whitening is proven to boost a person’s self-confidence, disposition, and overall well-being. It is a good way to improve your overall confidence and help you stand taller and smile wider.
Teeth Whitening Offsets the Effects of Aging
As we get older, our teeth will get weaker and the enamel will naturally wear away. This makes teeth staining and discolouration inevitable and those who don’t consider teeth whitening procedures will usually be forced to make drastic changes to their diet in order to avoid staining.
Consult Your Dentist
If you’re considering teeth whitening, it would be best to talk to your dentist. That way they can better educate you on the different processes, the steps to take, and the important practices you should develop to maintain the colour of your teeth.
Turn to Lambton Family Dental. Our team of dental professionals can help you achieve the perfect smile. You can give us a call at 519-344-5747 to book your consultation.