How DIY Whitening Can Harm Your Teeth & Gums

Nobody wants to make a bad first impression with a dull, dingy smile. It’s the first thing people notice when they see you, and a clean, bright smile makes you look more attractive. However, it’s important to be careful when you choose to whiten your teeth. There are a wide variety of DIY options but many of these methods can be dangerous or harmful to your oral health. Instead, it’s best to visit a dentist in Boise, Idaho, to get the job done safely and effectively. That’s why Summit Dental Group would like to provide you with the following ways DIY whitening can harm your teeth and gums.

UV Products

The use of ultraviolet (UV) teeth-whitening kits can result in spottiness when used with a solution that isn’t properly spread over your teeth. Additionally, many of the UV teeth whitening products you buy online or in the store can result in gum or nerve damage due to the harsh UV light exposure. Furthermore, UV teeth-whitening can cause infections in the mouth along with toothaches.

Whitening Strips

While whitening strips can sometimes be effective and are readily available at your local grocery store, they can damage your teeth and gums if they are overused. People that use whitening strips at home are often tempted to overuse a product to obtain the same results a dentist in Boise would provide. In fact, a recommended course of whitening strips shouldn’t be used more than once a year.

Baking Soda

Some people swear by using baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a teeth-whitening solution. While it’s true that baking soda can help whiten your teeth, it’s also abrasive and can damage your tooth enamel over time. When enamel weakens from overuse, teeth are much more susceptible to tooth decay.

Activated Charcoal

Over the years, activated charcoal has become an increasingly popular teeth-whitening option because it absorbs stains from your teeth. While it’s teeth whitening abilities are still highly debatable, it’s important to note that charcoal is an extremely abrasive substance that can scrape away your enamel as it removes stains. That’s why it’s essential to only use teeth-whitening products that are ADA approved and avoid making your own activated charcoal mix.

Summit Dental Group

There’s a delicate balance between whitening your teeth and not damaging them or the soft tissues in your mouth. Only a dentist in Boise will have the knowledge, experience, training, and teeth whitening treatments to properly whiten your teeth with safe, long-lasting results.

For more information about the teeth whitening treatment we offer at Summit Dental Group, contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 314-2275 today. Together, we will make a safe plan to whiten your smile while keeping up with good practices such as bruising and flossing your teeth and avoiding certain foods and beverages that can stain them.