It's no secret that many people want to have a brighter, whiter smile. But before you decide to whiten your teeth, it's important to understand the potential risks and side effects. Whitening your teeth can be a great way to improve your appearance, but it can also cause damage if not done properly. Since 1954, we've been teaching people around the world how to take care of their oral health.
Today, I wanted to share five myths about teeth whitening and the truth behind each one.
Myth 1: Whitening Too Often or With Too Much Product at Once Can Damage Teeth
This is true. Over-whitening can cause sensitivity to gums or dentin, and in severe cases, you could cause permanent damage to your mouth and teeth. Going to the dentist significantly reduces these risks. These are trained professionals who do it regularly.Myth 2: Teeth Whitening Products Don't Have Side Effects
This is false.Transparent or chalky teeth are also one of the complaints dentists receive from patients who use too much teeth whitener. Tooth sensitivity is also a problem with excessive teeth whitening.
Myth 3: Teens Should Whiten Their Teeth
This is false. Teens tend to follow the crowd when it comes to the latest trends. Once a friend or classmate shows up to school with a freshly whitened smile, it's very likely that your child will soon come to you asking for a self-made teeth whitening kit. As these types of at-home whitening products become more readily available, it's critical to understand the risks and potential side effects of applying teeth whitening products to a developing smile.The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend waiting until all of your child's permanent teeth have grown before attempting whitening treatments.
Myth 4: Teeth Whitening Works on All Types of Dental Restorations
This is false. Teeth whitening doesn't work on dental fillings, crowns, implants, dental bridges, and other types of dental restorations.Myth 5: Home Remedies Can Whiten Teeth
This is false. These methods are not scientifically proven to whiten teeth and should be discussed with a dentist before trying them.The Best Way To Whiten Your Teeth Safely
The seemingly insatiable desire for whiter teeth is good news for manufacturers of teeth whitening products, judging by the sheer variety of over-the-counter kits on offer. Whitening a child's teeth without professional guidance can also mask certain root causes of discoloration, thus delaying proper treatment. Since you only have one set of adult teeth in your life, there are simple steps you can take to protect your oral health that will also help you with whitening. If dental cleanings aren't enough, talk to your dentist about professional in-office whitening treatments.Your dentist may also use the application of light when applying the whitening product to your teeth to speed up the process, but this additional method has not always proven effective. Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day with whitening toothpaste will help prevent stains and remove surface stains. Your Orange County cosmetic dentist can lighten your in-office teeth in a single appointment, make personalized whitening trays to take home, or recommend a combination of the two. Always consult your dentist to make sure whitening toothpaste is safe and suitable for your child's teeth before using a specific product. According to the former president and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the use of any type of whitening product on damaged teeth is a risk that should not be taken. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in many of these whitening treatments is up to 13% and, as the concentration level increases, the greater the likelihood of adverse effects on young teeth.
Dentists strongly recommend that in-office laser teeth whitening treatments are ideal for teens who want a brighter smile.