Beware: DIY Whitening Treatments Which Can Damage Your Teeth

If you’re unhappy with the colour of your teeth, you are not alone; according to a study published by BMC Oral Health, more than 56 per cent of people report feeling unhappy with the colour of their teeth, often to the point that it negatively impacts their self-esteem.

For this reason, many will turn to DIY teeth whitening treatments in hopes of achieving a white, dazzling smile.

However, many of these products may do more harm than good, according to most dentists, including Dr. Marc Lazare, a general and cosmetic dentist who practices in New York City’s upper east side.

While most DIY teeth whitening treatments contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which can both help whiten discoloured teeth, studies show that they can also damage tooth enamel if not used correctly.

COMMON DIY TEETH WHITENING TREATMENTS

When it comes to whitening one’s teeth at home, there is no shortage of over-the-counter products that consumers can choose from, some of which include the following:

WHITENING STRIPS

Because they are affordably priced and readily available at most big-box stores, many people will gravitate toward whitening strips to remove coffee stains and other forms of discolouration from their teeth.

And while they can make teeth a few shades whiter, they can also damage tooth enamel when used excessively.

There is also evidence suggesting that, over time, they can cause painful tooth sensitivity. Furthermore, they can also cause spots to form on the gums, which many would agree only makes matters worse.

What’s more, whitening strips are incapable of getting into the small crevices in-between teeth. Therefore, you would be left with teeth that have an uneven colour.

WHITENING PENS

Whitening pens are commonly used by those seeking to improve the appearance of individual teeth that are discoloured.

However, because most of these products contain 6 per cent or less hydrogen peroxide, they fall short when it comes to delivering truly noticeable results.

And similar to whitening strips, they can cause gum irritation and also make teeth more sensitive.

OIL PULLING

Oil pulling is a centuries-old practice that originated in India and is still being used today by countless people to whiten teeth, re-mineralize enamel, and repair cavities.

While oil pulling won’t necessarily damage gums or teeth, there is little evidence indicating that it can do any of the things that it is purported to do.

For those who may not be familiar with oil pulling, it entails swishing a tablespoon of sesame, sunflower, coconut, or palm oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes and then spitting it out as a way to remove toxins from the oral cavity and improve oral health.

A person holding a tube of toothpaste, squeezing it onto a blue toothbrush. A metallic faucet is visible nearby, all set against a plain light-colored background.

BAKING SODA TOOTHPASTE

Baking soda toothpaste is yet another product that many people turn to in hopes of achieving whiter, stain-free teeth.

And while they do offer good short-term results, there is evidence suggesting that, over time, they can erode tooth enamel, which not only makes them more sensitive but also prone to cavities.

This is especially true if you use baking soda toothpaste that does not contain fluoride.

AT-HOME ULTRAVIOLET TEETH WHITENING KITS

Many people who desire whiter teeth will often use at-home ultraviolet (UV) teeth whitening kits because of how much they resemble a professional teeth whitening experience.

However, studies show that these products can cause oral infections, toothaches, and may even shrink gums if not used correctly.

Also, the gel used in at-home ultraviolet teeth whitening kits has been shown to cause stomach problems.

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING

Although most DIY teeth whitening treatments are effective, they don’t provide the kind of results that come with professional teeth whitening by a licensed dentist.

After all, most over-the-counter products only contain 6 to 10 per cent of hydrogen peroxide, which is not enough to remove deeply embedded stains in teeth caused by drinking coffee or smoking, for example.

Along with better results, professional teeth whitening at a dentist office also offers the following:

Faster and better results – Most DIY teeth whitening treatments require multiple applications. And even then, it can still take several weeks before discoloured teeth become noticeably whiter.

Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, can be done in minutes and deliver amazing results, which can last anywhere from a few months up to 3 years.

Safety – Although your primary objective may be to achieve a whiter, dazzling smile, safety should still be a top priority when choosing to whiten your teeth.

Most dentists, including Dr. Marc Lazare, will go to extraordinary lengths to ensure that a patient’s teeth and gums will not be damaged while they undergo professional teeth whitening.

The same obviously cannot be said for at-home teeth whitening; studies show that most people tend to use teeth whitening products incorrectly, often leaving the gel or bleaching solution on their teeth for too long.

No trial and error – Because many over-the-counter, DIY teeth whitening treatments contain such a small percentage of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, most people will have to try several products before they find one that finally works for them.

With professional teeth whitening, there is no guesswork involved. During your initial consultation with your dentist, he or she will recommend a professional whitening treatment that will work best based on how badly your teeth are discoloured.

Beyond that, your dentist will likely advise you on foods to avoid to keep your teeth looking their best for as long as possible.

BOTTOM LINE

All in all, there are no products on the market that can top professional teeth whitening treatments that are performed by a licensed and experienced dentist.

In addition to delivering better results, they are also much safer as they require fewer treatments than over-the-counter products, which have been shown to damage teeth and delicate gum tissue when used repeatedly.

With that being said, if you have discoloured teeth and you’re ready to transform your smile, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Marc Lazare today, one of New York City’s leading general and cosmetic dentist.

Pin it!