No matter how healthy your lifestyle is, what you eat and drink will change the color of your teeth. Things like coffee, red wine, berries, tomatoes, and tea can cause surface stains to develop. While a simple cleaning of the teeth can often remove these stains, sometimes they penetrate the tooth and can only be removed with professional bleaching. When it comes to whitening your teeth, there are a lot of myths out there. From baking soda to whitening kits, what exactly is safe to use and effective?
Baking soda is high in sodium and could cause erosion on teeth.
Sodium bicarbonate, the main ingredient in baking soda, is a mineral that can cause erosion in your teeth. Excessive amounts of sodium can lead to enamel loss and tooth decay. The same applies to gums and teeth; they will start to erode if too much baking soda is used. If the enamel begins to wear away, the yellower dentin layer will be exposed. As a result, your smile will appear duller.
Whitening kits can’t give you the results you get from a dentist.
While some people may have success with at-home whitening kits, it’s important to understand that dentists are among the most highly trained and experienced professionals in the field. Dentists have access to more powerful tools than over-the-counter products can provide. They can offer you a variety of options for treatment, including in-office procedures and at-home treatments that can be customized based on your needs. And they’ll make sure you get the best results possible!
Whitening kits can irritate the gums.
You’ve probably heard that whitening kits can irritate the gums and lead to gum disease. But is this really true?
The answer is yes, in some cases. Over-the-counter whitening kits have bleaching agents containing either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Because they are not administered under professional supervision, common side effects include gum irritation and sensitivity.
- Brushing too hard causes gingivitis (which leads to periodontitis), which can cause your gums to recede from your teeth and expose more of the tooth structure underneath it—the same thing that happens when you use white strips or bleach products incorrectly!
- Flossing isn’t enough to prevent gum disease because food gets wedged between your teeth no matter how well you floss—and if bacteria starts building up there over time without being washed away by saliva or other substances being sluiced through your mouth every day (like water from brushing), then bad things happen quickly!
Dentists advise against using baking soda for teeth whitening.
Dentists advise against using baking soda for teeth whitening because it’s an abrasive substance and can cause erosion on teeth. It can also damage tooth enamel, which is the protective surface of your teeth that helps them remain strong and healthy. Over time, excess wear on your enamel will lead to chipping or cracking, exposing the inner part of your tooth that contains nerves. This can result in tooth sensitivity or pain when eating or drinking hot liquids.
Another reason why dentists don’t recommend using baking soda is that it can also cause decay through demineralization—or taking away minerals from your enamel—and leaving space for bacteria to grow.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits and baking soda aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.
Over-the-counter whitening kits are a popular option for those who want whiter teeth, but they aren’t the best way to achieve that goal.
The bottom line is that these kits and baking soda can cause more trouble than they are worth. If you want a better, brighter smile, the best route to get there is through your dentist. Dr. Winsome Henry-Ward offers the latest in whitening technology, Zoom!® Teeth Whitening for patients. Zoom!® Teeth Whitening whitens your teeth up to 8-10 shades in one visit, without any discomfort, pain, or otherwise.
If you want a white, bright, glowing smile, contact us today to book your appointment!