Most people want white teeth. It’s the sign of a healthy and beautiful smile. Discoloured teeth can lower self-esteem and make smiles appear less than healthy. Thankfully, these days there are many forms of whitening products and services, from DIY at-home treatments to professional dentist services. While it may save money, going DIY isn’t always a safe option. Some at-home treatments are gimmicks that waste your money and achieve nothing, and others are straight up dangerous. Let’s have a look at the dangerous side of DIY teeth whitening.
As a disclaimer, if you still wish to use any of the mentioned products or services, it’s a good idea to seek professional dental advice before commencing with your DIY teeth whitening. A dentist will help you determine which teeth whitener is good for your specific case. They will also help you to distinguish between real and fake teeth whiteners.
Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening Products
There are several ongoing teeth whitening fads around the world, from using baking soda to charcoals, peroxides and coconut oils. All these can either be misused or overused. While the cost of these products is low compared to buying a dentist approved teeth whitener, as they are not monitored by a dentist, there is always the risk of damaging your teeth. The abrasive qualities of teeth whiteners is what causes the teeth to whiten, but with time this can lead to serious damage.
1. Charcoal
Charcoal has been approved to solve certain problems such as poisoning, but when it comes to teeth whitening, it has not yet been approved. There are various potential risks such as the wearing down of teeth enamel. Excessive use of charcoal as teeth whitener can cause tooth sensitivity and even yellowing as charcoal is a harsh abrasive.
2. Peroxide and Baking Soda
This is a dangerous combination to use on your teeth and can lead to excessive damage and painful conditions such as tooth sensitivity and erosion of the enamel. While peroxide has whitening effects on its own, it’s difficult to regulate the correct percentage needed to whiten your teeth safely at home. That’s why it's best to get your dentist approved whitener which will often consist of peroxide.
3. Coconut Oil
This teeth whitening product works through ‘oil pulling’, a process whereby toxins are extracted for your body. This process allegedly reduces tooth decay and bad breath in your mouth. However, this process has not been proven to work, nor has it been proven to be safe.
4. Store-bought Teeth Whitening Products
These products have the potential to cause problems with your teeth, such as sensitivity, as they contain high levels of peroxide. Also, if you already have cavities in your teeth, it can be painful to bleach your teeth.
Realise that not all DIY tooth whitening products will offer the desired result as they may be ineffective methods or gimmicks. Discolouration from smoking, coffee stains, medication and other causes can be frustrating, but it’s not worth wasting your money on these products and DIY hacks that don’t work.
The best thing to do is to seek dentist advice when you want to whiten your teeth. A dentist will recommend the best and safest method to get pearly whites. Next Smile is a professional dentist who will help you in all your teeth whitening needs. Contact Next Smile for more information.