Teeth whitening isn’t reserved for the rich and famous anymore. In fact, people throughout the Treasure Valley are looking for ways to make their teeth whiter and brighter. Visit any local Walgreens or grocery store and you will find multiple shelves filled with teeth whitening products. Even more, there are endless blogs and websites containing information about DIY or “natural” teeth whitening treatments.
The truth is, however, that many of these products and DIY remedies are ineffective and even dangerous. Why go through the hassle of wasting your hard earned money or damaging your teeth and gums when you can visit your Boise dentist for a safe, affordable treatment? That’s why Summit Dental Group would like to provide you with the following list of common myths about teeth whitening.
Many nationally recognized brands sell so-called whitening toothpaste that is often sold at a higher price than their standard toothpaste. Don’t waste your hard earned money. They simply don’t contain the necessary chemicals needed to effectively whiten your teeth. Furthermore, even if they do, they need to remain in contact with your teeth for an extended period of time. Since most people brush their teeth in a matter of minutes, any whitening ingredients in your toothpaste simply won’t have enough time to start working.
In addition to whitening toothpaste, there are many store-bought teeth whitening kits available these days. Contrary to popular belief that you don’t need to visit your Boise dentist to whiten your teeth, these kits simply don’t work. Why? They don’t contain the same quality ingredients used in the whitening solutions found at Summit Dental. Even if they do, they aren’t as strong as professional treatments making them ineffective.
Furthermore, if you use these kits to whiten your teeth on your own, you run the risk of damaging your gum tissues. When you trust your Boise dentist, however, you can rest assured your safety is our top priority and that you’re in good hands.
Before any whitening treatment, your Boise dentist will evaluate your mouth for any materials that won’t respond to whitening. These include porcelain crowns and composite fillings. If these things don’t show when you smile, then there is little concern. However, if you have a porcelain crown in the center of your smile, it won’t change color like the rest of your teeth. That’s why you should never go it the DIY route. At Summit Dental, we can help whiten your teeth and replace any dark crowns or fillings with modern materials to make your smile brighter.
Natural advocates often suggest rubbing your teeth with oranges, lemons, strawberries, and other acidic fruits to whiten your teeth. Doing so, however, will not remove unwanted stains. In fact, the acidic ingredients of these fruits can actually damage your tooth enamel if it’s left on your teeth for extended periods of time. Considering you can’t get your enamel back, it’s best to just avoid these DIY teeth whitening practices.
Two of the most commonly used substances for DIY teeth whitening are hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. While hydrogen peroxide can be used as an oral rinse (upon the recommendation of your Boise dentist) baking soda is a highly abrasive substance that can permanently damage your tooth enamel. Hydrogen peroxide can also cause gum irritation and damage. Gum injury sustained from home remedies can also increase your risk for infection which can come with severe consequences.
As it is with any health-related dental services, prevention is always preferable to treatment. You can prevent tooth discoloration by limiting your consumption of staining foods and drinks, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, and getting professional teeth cleanings. If you still need a teeth whitening treatment, however, it’s best to visit your Boise dentist at Summit Dental Group.
Our experienced professionals will evaluate your teeth and make recommendations depending on your individual needs. If you would like more information, contact us by filling out our online form or calling us at (208) 314-2275 to schedule an appointment.
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