Everyone wants a white smile, but our teeth naturally become discolored over time and as a result of outside factors like drinking coffee, tea, and red wine. If you’re self-conscious about the state of your smile and want to brighten it at home, you may consider looking into DIY whitening hacks online. Unfortunately, many of these hacks can put your oral health at risk and do more harm than good to your pearly whites. Read on to learn about the dangers of DIY whitening in Covington and safer alternatives your cosmetic dentist offers.
Activated Charcoal
Using activated charcoal as a way to bleach one’s teeth has become a popular trend in the world of DIY whitening. Though the idea that activated charcoal draws out impurities and surface stains may have some truth behind it, this hack can put you at risk for enamel abrasion. Since tooth enamel doesn’t grow back once it’s gone, dentists deem this unsafe for teeth.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a common ingredient in many kinds of toothpaste due to its teeth whitening properties. Since baking soda is mildly abrasive, regular use can weaken your tooth enamel over time.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits
Though there are countless over-the-counter bleaching kits available at grocery and drugstores, there’s a reason why the American dental association has yet to approve any of them. When you undergo professional whitening, your dentist will give you a consultation beforehand to ensure that there aren’t any preexisting issues that could be exacerbated by bleaching the teeth. If you have cavities or other oral health issues like cracks or damaged fillings, over-the-counter bleaching kits can lead to serious problems as well as discomfort.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is all-natural, but it’s also highly acidic. Using it to whiten your teeth puts your smile at a much higher risk of enamel erosion, which can lead to tooth decay.
How to Whiten Your Teeth Instead
The safest way to brighten your smile is by visiting your dentist for professional whitening. There are a variety of services they may offer, including whitening gel or strips, custom trays, and ZOOM!® Teeth Whitening. ZOOM! is an in-office treatment that allows patients to improve their smiles in just an hour. It combines bleaching gel with light to lighten your smile by several shades.
Using a DIY whitening hack to brighten your smile may seem like a good way to save time and money, but professional whitening is always the best way to go. Reach out to your dentist to schedule an appointment so you can achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
About the Author
Is your smile lacking luster? Do you wish you could get back the bright, beautiful beam of your younger days? MoreSMILES Dental can help. Their team of talented oral health specialists does everything they can to make you feel comfortable during your appointments, and they aim to help you learn to love your smile. They offer professional, in-office tooth whitening services in a safe, comfortable environment so you can receive the stress-free care you deserve. If you’re ready to schedule a consultation or have questions about MoreSMILES Dental’s professional teeth whitening services, call their office at (985) 809-7645 or visit their website.