White teeth are a lovely feature associated with youth, vigor, and status, and many people are interested in finding effective ways to lift enamel stains and brighten their smiles. However, many whitening methods you may have heard about can lead to lackluster results or oral injuries if you aren’t careful. Here’s a brief explanation of why it’s important to consult with your dentist before attempting any teeth whitening method.
DIY Teeth Whitening Can Be Extremely Risky
There are many “do-it-yourself” teeth whitening methods being peddled by influencers on social media, and some of them can lead to serious dental damage. Examples include using acidic substances like lemon juice or harsh materials like charcoal to dissolve or scrape away stained enamel, but these methods will weaken your teeth and leave them more vulnerable to infection. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the hazards of these methods and help you find the best way to achieve your ideal grin.
Store-Bought Teeth Whitening Products Can Underperform
You can find a wide selection of whitening products such as kits, strips, and toothpastes at your store or pharmacy, and they can vary significantly in quality. While some of them may deliver significant results, others may lead to lackluster whitening effects even after months of use or possibly oral injuries due to user error or poor manufacture. If you are considering store-bought whitening products, please consult with your dentist before trying any of these methods.
Your Dentist Can Deliver Superior Whitening Results
Professional teeth whitening from your dentist can lift even stubborn dental stains and brighten a smile by up to eight shades. These treatments can be administered in one of two ways:
- In-office procedure: Your dentist will be able to whiten your teeth in about an hour using customized dental trays and concentrated whitening gel.
- Take-home kit: These products contain customized dental trays and tubes of professional-grade whitening agent, and they can brighten your grin over the course of two weeks.
Don’t let dental stains make it difficult to smile proudly and confidently. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand the best whitening method for you.
About the Author
Dr. Erik Holz graduated from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and completed a two-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in St. Petersburg. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Ocoee offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact this office online or dial (407) 654-0070.