What’s the Safest Way to Whiten Your Teeth?

Are you self-conscious about the color of your teeth? You’re definitely not alone. Dental staining affects countless people’s confidence and can cause even the most self-assured person to feel embarrassed about letting their smile show. That’s why so many people turn to over-the-counter teeth whitening products to try to correct the problem. The only issue with this is that not all of these are safe for the health of your teeth and gums. Read on to learn more about the safest and most reliable methods of teeth whitening.

How Do Teeth Become Stained?

Teeth can become stained for a variety of reasons, including consuming stain-causing foods and drinks, bad oral habits such as smoking, and poor dental hygiene. Some stains can travel deep into the surface of your teeth, making them nearly impossible to remove with store-bought, low-concentration products, while some are only present on the surface.

Which Teeth Whitening Methods Aren’t Safe?

When you walk into the dental hygiene section of your local department or grocery store, you’ll likely notice the dozens of teeth whitening options. There are a variety of active ingredients that are marketed as having the ability to deliver the results you’re looking for, such as hydrogen peroxide and charcoal. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular store-bought products and why it’s important to be weary of purchasing them:

• Activated Charcoal Whitening Products: Over the past couple of years, using activated charcoal as a primary ingredient in whitening toothpaste has become incredibly common and popular. Although it may provide you with subtle results, the ADA hasn’t approved this ingredient as being safe to use on your teeth because of how abrasive it is.
• Whitening Kits With Trays: Over-the-counter whitening kits that include trays and whitening gel often don’t include ingredients that are concentrated enough to deliver timely and noticeable results. Not to mention, many kits haven’t been approved by the ADA as being effective and safe.
• Whitening Strips: If you’re looking for a convenient and fast teeth whitening option, you may pick up a box of whitening strips. These often contain a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or varying concentrations of bleaching ingredients. When your teeth are exposed to these for too long, they can cause enamel erosion.

How Can You Get Safe, Yet Drastic Whitening Results?

The best way to whiten your teeth without harmful or uncomfortable side-effects is to get professional teeth whitening treatment from your dentist. They only use products that have been clinically tested and approved by the ADA. Plus, a professional will oversee the entire process, maximizing the results while keeping your pearly whites healthy. The best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for professional treatment is to contact your cosmetic dentist.

Although it may be tempting to purchase store-bought products because they have a lower price tag, investing in safe, professional treatment is well worth your time.

About the Author

Dr. Corey Martinez is passionate about getting to know his patients and understand what treatments will help them achieve their ideal smiles. He offers a variety of cosmetic services that can boost his patients’ confidence and get them excited about showing off their grin, including professional teeth whitening. He is also an active member of several professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, allowing him to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in cosmetic dentistry. For questions or to schedule a consultation for teeth whitening, visit Martinez Dentistry’s website or call 765-724-7729.