In the age of social media, DIY solutions are everywhere. You might see trending ones like teeth whitening, with before-and-after photos that promise quick results. Do-it-yourself teeth whitening with homemade ingredients can look cheap and easy, and you might think, “Why not?” But just because you can do a DIY treatment doesn’t mean it’s your best option. Before you try these “life hacks,” here is how they can harm your smile.
The Risk Behind DIY Whitening
Do-it-yourself whitening typically involves things in your kitchen or fridge. At first glance, they may look harmless since you may use them every day. However, they can damage your teeth and gums if used improperly. Here are some common ingredients in popular home teeth whitening methods, and why you shouldn’t run to do them:
- Hydrogen Peroxide: This whitening ingredient is common. Even your dentist may use it to whiten your teeth, but it can cause harm when not used properly. If you use too little, you won’t get that whiter smile; if you use too much, you risk breaking down the enamel and irritating your gums. You’ll likely end up with painfully sensitive teeth and tender gum tissue.
- Activated Charcoal: You may have seen people holding up their favorite charcoal-based products. Charcoal can draw out impurities but can also be abrasive and quickly wear away your enamel. Your enamel cannot grow back naturally, so excessive use of charcoal products can thin it out. Not only is this painful, but it often leaves teeth looking dull and grayish as it exposes the gray layer of dentin underneath!
- Baking Soda: Like charcoal, this household ingredient is abrasive. Overuse weakens enamel, causing tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities.
- Lemon Juice: Acidic foods are not the best for your teeth. The citric acid in lemons dissolves enamel. When applied directly to your tooth and left on for extended periods, you might experience discomfort.
- Over-the-Counter Kits: Many store-bought products are one-size-fits-all. Except everyone has a different mouth, so these might not work for you. They can come into contact with your gums when not properly used. These kits can whiten your teeth by a couple of shades but may leave you with uneven results.
What’s the Best Hack for Whiter Teeth? Your Dentist!
Whitening your teeth shouldn’t come at the cost of your dental health. Fortunately, professional treatments are safe and effective when it comes to whitening your smile. Your dentist ensures your mouth is free from cavities, gum disease, and other issues that can cause discomfort or complications during the whitening process before treating you. Once you are in optimal oral health, they may recommend a professional whitening kit to help you reliably achieve your smile goals.
Professional teeth whitening kits are significantly different than store-bought ones because they have a custom strength of bleaching agents. The trays in professional kits are molded to your teeth by your dentist, with instructions on how long to wear them. By the end of your treatment, you’ll have results that leave you happy and healthy.
While DIY teeth whitening seems promising, the risk might not be worth it. Professional treatments give you a worry-free solution with noticeably brighter results.
About the Practice
Led by Dr. Adam Danzig and Dr. Rachel Snook, the team at Grateful Dentist treats every patient with utmost care. They are dedicated to personalized treatments to meet their patients’ needs. This includes refreshing smiles with comfortable, customized, and reliable cosmetic services like professional take-home whitening kits. If you want a brighter grin, schedule an appointment or call us at (978) 924-8186.