Everybody wants a gorgeous set of pearly whites to boost our self-esteem and to give off killer first impression vibes. Nowadays, tooth whitening has received a lot of attention, making it seem easy to achieve that million-dollar smile. Unfortunately, while some trends might seem like a quick fix, certain techniques can harm your tooth enamel. In this blog, we’ll dive into the facts and provide insight on methods to be weary of.
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Lemon Juice Whitening
People have been using lemons as a natural bleaching agent for centuries because they are a natural astringent. Lemon juice is highly acidic, though, and if used frequently, it can harm your tooth enamel. Your teeth’s enamel serves as their outer protective layer, and once it is lost, it cannot develop back. Lemons can whiten teeth, but only if they are diluted with water and applied lightly.
Charcoal Whitening
Charcoal teeth whitening is all the rage these days. It clears up all the brown stains from your teeth, making them look super bright. The only problem? Charcoal can be rough on your teeth and might scratch your enamel, leaving you with sensitive teeth that stain even more easily down the line. So if you’re going to give charcoal whitening a go, remember that less is more!
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a popular household item that is widely believed to whiten teeth. Its abrasive properties work by breaking down the stains on teeth, making the enamel appear whiter. However, using baking soda too frequently can wear down the enamel, causing sensitivity and discoloration. You should skip the baking soda whitening method altogether before it further harms your teeth.
DIY Methods
With the rising popularity of social media platforms like YouTube and Pinterest, people are trying to whiten their teeth using DIY methods. Some of these methods include using strawberries or hydrogen peroxide, but they are only sometimes safe or trustworthy. Only attempt these online methods after speaking to a qualified dentist first. Some of these methods can be outright dangerous and leave lasting damage to your teeth and mouth.
Overuse Of Professional Whitening Products
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to get a brighter smile. However, if used too often, it can also damage your enamel. Many people have the misconception that if a little whitening is good, then a lot of whitening must be better. This is not true. Overuse of professional whitening can cause sensitivity and even gum irritation. Therefore, it’s important to follow your dentist’s advice on how often to whiten your teeth. Visit Sage Dental to learn more about professional teeth whitening.
Having a healthy smile should always be preferred to having a brighter smile. Prevention is always better than cure. That means taking the necessary steps to keep your teeth healthy, regularly brushing and flossing, and seeing your dentist two to three times a year. Steer clear of cigarettes to much coffee or tea. Teach your children healthy habits. Remember, overusing professional whitening products is not the way to go; rather, follow your dentist’s instructions and have a long-term healthy smile.