Common Myths About Teeth Whitening Debunked

A bright, white smile is a sign of health, beauty, and confidence, but getting and maintaining this smile can be very hard, especially with many myths that are related to teeth whitening. Some think that it is harmful to their enamel, while others think that using over-the-counter products is just as good as professional treatments.  

If you are looking to make your smile white and clean, then contact a professional Toluca Lake dentist. They will make a personalized treatment plan for you and then do teeth whitening in a safe and effective way to restore your smile.  

Read this article to debunk some common myths that are related to teeth whitening and learn the truth behind them. Knowing the right thing can help you in making the right decision for a healthier and brighter smile. 

Myth #1: Teeth Whitening Damages Enamel

One of the most common myths is that teeth whitening damages your enamel. This misconception makes people avoid getting teeth whitening treatment, thinking that it will affect their enamel. 

People think that the bleaching process uses hard chemicals that erode the enamel, but this is not the case. Dentists use carefully made whitening agents that only remove stains without damaging the enamel layer. These treatments are tested for safety and effectiveness. Dentists also suggest getting fluoride treatment and enamel-strengthening toothpaste to protect your teeth after whitening. 

If you decide to do teeth whitening at home with a DIY kit, then it can harm your enamel if it is not used in the right amount as they have ingredients that are very hard. 

Myth #2: Whitening Works Equally Well for Everyone

People think that getting a teeth whitening treatment can give them the same result as everyone, but this is not true and depends on many factors, like what type of discoloration you have and your oral health. Discoloration can be caused by many factors that can be either extrinsic or intrinsic. 

Extrinsic stains

These surface stains are mainly caused by your lifestyle habits like smoking or drinking dark beverages like coffee, tea, soda, etc. These stains can easily be removed with the help of teeth whitening treatment. 

Intrinsic stains

These are deeper stains that are caused by many factors like aging, trauma, or medications. They may need better solutions like veneers or crowns.

The dentist first checks what type of staining you have, your oral health, and your history related to whitening treatments to get the best results. People who always consume staining substances like coffee or red wine can expect fewer results and fast re-staining. 

Myth #3: Whitening Results Are Permanent

Professional whitening treatments can give great results, but they are not permanent. With time, teeth will get stained naturally by your daily habits and environmental factors. These factors include your dietary choices, oral hygiene, and age. 

Dietary choices like foods and drinks, coffee, and berries can easily re-stain your teeth after a teeth whitening treatment. Also, if you do not take proper care of your oral hygiene and neglect brushing and flossing, then it can cause plaque buildup and dull the whiteness of your teeth. Also, with age, there are many natural wear and tears on enamel, which can expose dentin, giving a yellowish appearance. 

If you have had a whitening treatment, then you need to put in some consistent efforts and good habits, which you should do to keep your smile bright for a long time.

Avoid or Limit Staining Beverages

Dark-coloured beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and cola are very common culprits for staging your teeth. You should limit the intake of such drinks, and even when you consume them, use a straw to minimize the contact of the liquid with your teeth. 

Rinse Your Mouth After Meals

Foods and drinks contain pigment, which can be left behind on your teeth. These pigments can cause staining if they are not cleaned. Always wash your mouth after eating meals so that you can reduce the risk of staining your teeth. 

Consider Regular Touch-Ups

Once you get your teeth whitening treatment done, do not forget to take all the precautions, but also visit your dentist every 6 months so that they can check your oral health and suggest treatment if necessary. 

Brighten Your Smile with Confidence!

A bright smile is more than just an improvement in your appearance; It is an investment in your confidence as well as your well-being. Consult with a professional dentist today to get your teeth whitening done in a safe and effective manner.