There are countless products available over-the-counter for DIY teeth whitening. Daily, we are shown advertisements demonstrating the efficacy of these products for giving us a bright smile. However, DIY teeth whitening products actually come with some danger and should be used with caution. Your safest and most effective option for teeth whitening procedures is always the dentist’s chair, despite what some of these products claim. In this article, we’ll look at some of the hazards associated with commonly used DIY teeth whitening products.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are an affordable and convenient way to whiten teeth, and people who use them often notice a difference. However, if overused, whitening strips can damage teeth and cause painful sensitivity. They are also far less effective than teeth whitening procedures performed by your dentist. Because the strip can’t reach into all the spaces between your teeth, you may see uneven colour.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste, including toothpaste that contains bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), can whiten your teeth over time, but can also wear down your dental enamel. The wearing down of enamel will leave your teeth more vulnerable to cavities.
Whitening Pens
Whitening pens are meant to spot-treat individual teeth and areas that you want to be whiter. Since these pens don’t contain too much hydrogen peroxide, you likely won’t get much sensitivity, but they are also relatively ineffective and yield poor results.
Having your teeth whitening procedure performed by your dentist is the safest and most effective way to get a brighter, whiter smile. If you prefer at-home whitening, your dentist may be able to create professional, custom, at-home whitening trays for you. Professional whitening yields the most effective and longest lasting whitening results, that are far superior to those provided by any DIY product, and without any of the risk.
If you do decide to use a DIY whitening procedure, it’s important that you follow the instructions closely, and don’t overuse the product. Many people overuse whitening products in the hope of achieving results faster, but all this will do is cause tooth sensitivity, weakness, and even long-term damage. If you are considering a DIY whitening product, ask your dentist for their advice on your next visit. For the best whitening results, speak to your dentist about professional whitening today!