Everybody wants a bright, white, sparkling smile which is why the teeth whitening industry is booming right now.
As the demand for whiter, brighter smiles continues to grow among consumers in both developed and developing countries, more people are looking for ways to achieve their dream smile.
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. But it’s not a perfect science, and as such there are many myths surrounding teeth whitening that need to be debunked.
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash will do the trick
The chemicals needed to whiten teeth have to remain in contact with the surface of the teeth for an extended period of time.
But brushing and rinsing of the mouth doesn’t take more than a couple of minutes.
So whitening toothpaste and rinses are too weak to produce significant results.
Gels from online sites are the same as professional gels
Different teeth have different textures, surfaces, and enamel thicknesses.
Therefore, the type and strength of the gel used should be personalized for each patient.
Discoloured crowns and fillings whiten just like teeth
This is another myth.
Porcelain crowns and composite fillings do not respond to teeth whitening agents, so the net result is uneven whiteness.
Once whitened the whiteness lasts forever
Coffee, tea, wine, and chocolate tend to leave stains on the teeth.
Therefore unless your regular diet changes, the whiteness will last a couple of years, not the rest of your life.
This is still totally fine since most people only need to periodically follow up on the treatment to make the effects last longer.
Whitening gels damage teeth
Gels do not damage teeth.
The tooth surface has to be exposed to the gel for a proper extent of time for the gel to be effective.
Oil-pulling
Swishing and swirling coconut oil in the mouth is said to loosen the plaque and stains from the teeth.
But there is little scientific evidence which shows that this is an effective method of whitening teeth.
Strawberries and lemon juice help to whiten teeth
Actually over prolonged use of this method, the acid from the fruits can eat away the enamel of the teeth.
Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are safe solutions to DIY teeth whitening
The cons outweigh the pros of this method.
Baking soda can disturb the good and bad bacteria balance in the mouth thus disturbing oral health.
Hydrogen peroxide can cause tissue damage.
Professional whitening is not worth the expense
Although professional whitening does cost more than a store-bought teeth whitening kit, it is safer, more effective and lasts longer.
Professional laser whitening is administered by a trained dental expert who uses protective measures to reduce the risk of soft tissue burns.
So in the long run professional teeth whitening is safer and more affordable.
Conclusion
Prevention is always better than cure, so it is best to look after your teeth by regular brushing and flossing.
It is also advisable to avoid tobacco and consume coffee, tea, and wine in measured quantities.
But if you do have discoloured teeth and want to whiten them it is best to consult a professional for the safest and most effective results.
