13 Jun Why You Shouldn’t Do At-Home DIY Teeth Whitening…
Bright, white teeth signal health, vitality, youth, and offer an allure to everyone. (Combine that with a razor sharp smile, and you have definitely got it going on!) Yellowed or stained teeth can certainly age you and make you self-conscious about your smile.
Tooth staining is natural over time. Coffee, tea, red wine, all lead to staining, as well as smoking. Aging naturally discolors teeth because as we age, our enamel thins letting the underlying dentin show through. This dentin is naturally a yellow color. Because of these factors, many people turn to at-home teeth whitening kits. For some, it is because they find it a cheaper option. Others like the convenience. However, what you don’t know is the damage you are causing your teeth with every use.
So, what issues are there when you use these DIY kits? It depends on the kit. Some kits use hydrogen peroxide, others use an abrasive gel with sand in it to polish the stains away. Both can cause damage to the gums. Other risks include the psychological danger of addiction as many people cannot stop using the kits. Hydrogen peroxide kits bleach the stains without actually removing the underlying particles. After a few days, the stains have returned, and you are using the kit again and further damaging your enamel and gums. Also, if you swallow any of the gel, you can seriously burn the linings in your esophagus, stomach, and intestines. If you use a more abrasive kit, you can actually wear the enamel away completely. Either way, the damage can become irreversible with excessive use.
This leads to understanding why you should always have your dentist whiten your teeth. First, professional solutions are stronger than the DIY kits you use. Secondly, they can spot any issues with tooth or gum sensitivity and can address them. You’ll still get your teeth whitened, but you won’t aggravate those areas. And lastly, your dentist (or dental hygienist – like the awesomely talented Melissa Cardenas!) will clean your teeth and remove the bacteria, food, and other particles that contribute to the staining. Professional in-office whitening means even coloring on your teeth (not the patchiness that can occur with DIY kits) and better care compared to at-home teeth whitening.
If you’re curious about this procedure, give us a call. We will assess your teeth and help you achieve that bright, white smile in no time at all! Call us at 281-656-2200 now to book your next tooth whitening procedure!