5 Myths and Facts about Teeth Whitening
Does display whiter teeth the exclusive domain of the rich and famous? Presently almost everyone seeks treatments to make their teeth whiter and brighter. A visit to the local grocery or drugstore helps you find their shelves overflowing with whitening remedies. In addition, beauty magazines, websites, and blogs do not lag, offering numerous DIY teeth whitening therapies or natural treatments which they claim are excellent for whitening teeth.
Unfortunately, the products promoted by their proponents are ineffective and dangerous for many. Furthermore, these remedies are impractical because the optimal solutions to whiten teeth are straightforward and affordable from our Fairfax dentist offering in-office teeth whitening treatments.
With information overflowing on the Internet about teeth whitening, you might find it challenging to know which information is authentic and the popular myths about teeth whitening. Unfortunately, most online information promotes myths by providing misinformation about this excellent therapy, which is safe and effective when performed by dental professionals. If you are unaware of the falsehoods spread about teeth whitening, this article sheds light on the most popular myths to help you understand this treatment’s reality.
5 Common Myths about Teeth Whitening
Here are some common myths about teeth whitening:
1. Whitening Toothpaste Helps Brighten Teeth
When walking down the aisles of supermarkets, you will not find it challenging to notice claims made by manufacturers of whitening toothpaste promoting their brand with claims that the toothpaste delivers instant results but charges higher prices. However, the reality is entirely different because the manufacturers do not disclose that the abrasive ingredients must remain in touch with your teeth for extended periods. Two minutes of brushing with whitening toothpaste aren’t sufficient to deliver results unless you use the product for months or longer.
2. Coconut Oil Pulling Whitens Teeth
Using coconut oil in cooking is widespread globally, besides using it as a moisturizer for the skin, hair, and body. The sales of coconut oil are in the region of $250 million annually, primarily due to the health claims made about this product. As claimed by many, coconut oil is undoubtedly healthy but not for whitening your teeth. Oil pulling, as it is known, is an ancient practice, according to the Ayurveda journal. Unfortunately, no scientific evidence supports the claims that coconut oil whitens teeth.
3. Lemons and Strawberries Help Whiten Teeth
Some proponents claim that crushed strawberries mixed with lemon juice are helpful for whitening teeth. Although the remedy initially seems effective, the acids in these fruits cause enamel erosion, state the dental fraternity. Enamel erosion makes you susceptible to receiving additional treatments from dentists for issues like cavities and other problems.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide with Baking Soda Safely Whiten Teeth
In contrast, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are not ideal for teeth whitening. Baking soda disturbs the balance of good and harmful mouth bacteria to trigger oral health issues. At the same time, hydrogen peroxide creates free radicals to cause tissue damage.
5. Professional Teeth Whitening Isn’t Cost-Effective
Professional in-office teeth whitening, undoubtedly costs more than kits purchased at local drugstores because there are significant differences between the two. It is a personalized remedy, while store-bought whitening kits are generic. Furthermore, whitening teeth from a dentist delivers instant results without making you wait for weeks or months. The dentist supervises the treatments to ensure you don’t experience sensitivity to your teeth and the mouth’s soft tissues from the ingredients they use to whiten your teeth.
Interesting Facts about Teeth Whitening
Here are some interesting facts about teeth whitening:
1. Over-the-counter Whitening Remedies are not as effective as Treatments
Over-the-counter whitening remedies are not as effective as treatments from the dentist near you merely because manufacturers are not permitted to provide concentrated gels to whiten teeth. In addition, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in store-bought products is around six percent, while dentists use approximately 34 percent for instant results.
2. Ultraviolet Light isn’t always Necessary
Ultraviolet light isn’t always necessary when whitening teeth because there is no evidence to prove the light improves results.
3. Teeth Whitening Treatments are not for Children
Teeth whitening treatments are not for children who must wait until their teeth have developed and maintain appropriate dental hygiene.
4. Professional Teeth Whitening is Affordable than over-the-counter Remedies
Although professional teeth whitening appears expensive, the supervised therapies from dentists help avoid complications that might develop if the ingredients used during the process contact the soft tissues of your mouth. In addition, when you consider the costs of treating dental pain for any reason, you will likely find professional teeth whitening affordable than over-the-counter and unsubstantiated teeth whitening remedies that do more harm than good to your teeth.
Visit a Teeth Whitening Dentist Near You
If getting your teeth whitened is your goal, we at Drummond Dental Care can help you by providing a personalized treatment explicitly designed for you. Contact our practice today to receive Teeth Whitening in Fairfax, VA, and have a brighter smile as you leave the dentist’s office after your appointment.