Discoloration of teeth happens over time, especially if you frequently partake in items like red wine, coffee, and tea. Even so, you probably still would like to flash a gleaming white smile instead of being self-conscious about the change. No wonder you see so many techniques online for DIY teeth whitening. Unfortunately, a lot of these “hacks” can put your oral health at risk. Continue reading to learn about the dangers of DIY whitening in Rancho Bernardo from your cosmetic dentist.
At-Home Whitening with Lemon Juice
Some DIY whitening trends use lemon juice. Just because it’s all-natural doesn’t mean it is a great option for your smile. Lemon juice is very acidic, so you are basically just applying acid to the front surface of your teeth. Ultimately, the top layer of your enamel can be worn away, making it more likely that you develop tooth decay and sensitivity.
Baking Soda Toothpaste
Toothpaste that contains baking soda is very common. You can even make your own at home. It does naturally whiten teeth, so many people see short-term results. The issue is that baking soda is mildly abrasive. When you use it on your teeth regularly, it can weaken your enamel over time. Instead, you should choose toothpaste that is free of sodium bicarbonate.
Store-Bought Bleaching Kits
You see countless over-the-counter bleaching kits when you go to the supermarket, but there is a reason why the American Dental Association hasn’t approved any of these products. When you have professional whitening done, a consultation is completed beforehand to ensure you don’t have preexisting issues that could worsen in the process. If you have a cavity, crack, or damaged filling, using a bleaching kit could leave you with serious problems and extreme pain.
Toothpaste & Other Products with Activated Charcoal
One of the biggest recent trends has been using activated charcoal to whiten teeth. The idea is that charcoal draws out impurities and surface stains, leaving your teeth whiter. Even though there may be some truth behind this DIY hack, people who do this are putting themselves at risk for enamel erosion. Ultimately, dentists have not deemed this safe for teeth, as enamel does not grow back once it’s lost.
You shouldn’t settle for teeth discoloration, but don’t let these hacks fool you when it comes to DIY whitening in Rancho Bernardo. They could be doing more harm than good. Instead, your cosmetic dentist can provide you with a beautiful, gleaming grin you are proud to share with the world!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Howard earned his dental doctorate from UCLA, and he went on to be the first dentist in North San Diego County to become an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). He’s a founding member of the West Coast Society for Cosmetic Dentistry. If you are interested in teeth whitening, he offers Opalescence at-home whitening kits that give you professional results in two weeks. Schedule an appointment on his website or call (858) 451-0550.