If you look online for ways to whiten your teeth, you’ll find no shortage of answers. There are plenty of DIY beauty channels and blogs that will offer all kinds of solutions to whiten your teeth, both store-bought and homemade.
These whitening solutions obviously aren’t going to be as effective as what you’d get from a dentist, but they are also undoubtedly much cheaper. Or are they? Here’s what you should know about the effectiveness, and the dangers, associated with various whitening DIY whitening treatments.
Are DIY Teeth Whitening Solutions Effective?
There are a couple of routes you can go if you’re trying to whiten your teeth on your own. Some of the most common (and cheapest) simply aren’t all that effective. For example, there are some whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes that can make a small difference in the color of your teeth, but typically not the one that they’re looking for. There are also DIY whitening kits, which contain a whitening solution that’s much less concentrated than the one you’d get from a dentist. This means DIY whitening is usually unable to give patients the results they’re looking for.
The Dangers of DIY Whitening
This inability to produce notable results is part of what makes DIY whitening so dangerous. Virtually every whitening solution, homemade or store-bought, is heavily acidic. This isn’t an issue in a professional context where the whitening gel’s strength is finely tuned to ensure patient comfort; however, when using DIY products, it’s common for patients to inadvertently overuse them.
In the worst case, this can do damage to the teeth by thinning the enamel and exposing the sensitive layer of the teeth within. These whitening solutions may also creep into areas of tooth decay and cause substantial discomfort. In these ways, DIY whitening isn’t just ineffective—it’s dangerous!
The Merits of Professional Whitening
If you really want to make a difference in how your smile looks to others, the best thing to do is to talk to a cosmetic dentist. Professional whitening solutions can be adjusted to fit your smile, ensuring both results and comfort.
Many dentists also offer take-home whitening, which can provide you with all the convenience of store-bought whitening kits without the hazards. Everybody wants a whiter smile, but there’s a right and a wrong way to go about it—you should be sure to consult a professional who can help you.
About Our Practice
Welcome to the dental practice of Dr. Euksuzian and Dr. Braatz! We know that there’s a lot of misinformation surrounding dentistry out there, and it can sometimes be a little bit difficult to know who to trust. That’s why everyone on our staff has the upmost integrity and respect for our patients; when you visit our office, you’ll find a dental team that you’ll feel confident trusting with your oral health.
If you have any questions about teeth whitening, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (609) 245-5184.
