Like others, maybe you’re a fan of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. That’d make sense – these ventures are appealing and offer a sense of self-reliance. Still, brightening your smile is best left to the professionals. The dangers of DIY teeth whitening often lead to severe tooth damage. Thus, having a dentist whiten your grin is much better. To learn more, just let your Sweeny dentist explain. Here are DIY teeth whitening’s risks and why to get professional treatment instead.
How are DIY Teeth Whiteners Dangerous?
While they may claim otherwise, DIY whiteners tend to harm one’s oral health. In particular, consider the effects of those listed below:
Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products
True, over-the-counter whiteners rely on the same ingredients that dentists use. Even so, they’re dangerous due to using those materials without proper dental supervision.
Ultimately, bleaching gel can be harmful if a dentist isn’t present. It might get into one of your teeth’s nerve chambers, causing severe pain. Alternatively, it might irritate your gums and other mouth tissues.
Charcoal Toothpaste & Powder
Given its absorption ability, some claim activated charcoal can whiten teeth. Many store-bought dental products thus use it as an ingredient, charcoal toothpaste, charcoal powder, etc. Truthfully, though, the substance causes enamel abrasion and tooth sensitivity. Therefore, most qualified dentists denounce it as unsafe for use in dentistry.
Hydrogen Peroxide & Baking Soda
Yet other DIY enthusiasts employ baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to bleach teeth. Unfortunately, these chemicals should never be directly applied to enamel. Excess amounts of them will damage your enamel and soft mouth tissues. From there, your dental health will face a decline.
Why is Professional Whitening Better?
Unlike the DIY varieties, professional teeth whitening won’t harm oral health. This dentist-approved option is very safe and highly effective in the long run. Whether you choose in-office treatment or a take-home kit, you can expect a bright and healthy smile by the end.
With in-office treatment, the dentist carefully applies bleaching gel to your teeth. Said gel is then exposed to a UV light that enhances its effects. From there, your grin will look six to eight shades brighter after only an hour of treatment!
A take-home whitening kit takes longer to work but offers comparable results. You simply have to wear gel-filled trays for a few hours daily over two weeks. Once that’s done, your smile will be visibly brighter and shinier.
In the end, the dangers of DIY teeth whitening outweigh its benefits. Therefore, talk to your local dentist about getting brighter teeth through professional care.
About the Practice
Sweeny Family Dental is based in Sweeny, TX. Led by Dr. Derek Funk, our practice strives to give each patient a world-class grin. We thus offer high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services tailored to your unique smile. Furthermore, our team also takes pride in being a certified provider of traditional braces and Invisalign® clear aligners. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (979)-401-2962.