We are here to separate the fact from the fiction when it comes to teeth whitening.
Here are some teeth whitening facts some of which just might surprise you……
1. Teeth whitening can damage your enamel
FALSE!
When choosing a teeth whitening product do your research; a good quality dentist-approved product will not erode your enamel.
Watch out (and avoid!) products which contain sodium chlorite –sodium chlorite is used in industry to generate chlorine dioxide fohvr bleaching, generally in the textiles, pulp, and paper industry. Consumption of this can have serious repercussions including blood disorders and renal failure! Yikes!
2. Strawberries can whiten your teeth
Strangely true, BUT at a cost….
Strawberries contain malic acid which in theory naturally cleans and whitens teeth, although the citric acid found in strawberries will eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Damage to your enamel will lead to tooth discoloration. Therefore having the exact opposite effect!
3. Once you have whitened your teeth they will stay white
FALSE!
Unfortunately once you have whitened your teeth and you continue to (rightly so) enjoy stain causing food and drink (red wine and coffee, we are looking at you!) stains will appear again. Just like getting your hair dyed, it requires maintenance.
Keep your teeth looking bright by topping up once a week. Alternatively to avoid stains you could drink stain causing beverages through a straw!
4. Activated charcoal is the key to whiter teeth
FALSE!
Sorry guys, this is just another gimmick that has no scientific research to back it up. A trend that is slowly disappearing because it was just that, a trend!
Frequent use of activated charcoal can be abrasive and contribute to enamel erosion.
The only way to safely whiten your teeth is by a dentist-approved teeth whitening product.
5. Whitening your teeth means sensitive teeth
FALSE!
Teeth sensitivity is definitely subjective, some people might experience sensitivity and others none at all.
Slight sensitivity is nothing to worry about but it should not hurt. We recommend if you have sensitive teeth to reduce the application time.
6. Whitening toothpaste and whitening gum works just as well as a whitening gel
FALSE!
Whilst these products contain ingredients to whiten your teeth they are far too weak to have any effect. Whitening chemicals need to be in contact for at least 20 minutes to have any effect to color change.
7. LED Lights speed up Teeth Whitening
FALSE!
There is no proof that LED lights speed up or improve the teeth whitening process. In fact they can lead to problems with tooth dehydration and damage to your skin, lips and gums.
8. Crowns and Veneers can be whitened
FALSE!
Whitening gels will only work on natural teeth so if you wish to whiten your teeth you need to replace your crowns and veneers if you want them to match your other teeth.
The ADA confirms;
Whitening will not work on caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. It also won’t be effective if your tooth discoloration is caused by medications or a tooth injury.
9. Oil Pulling can whiten teeth
FALSE!
Many people practise oil pulling as a method to whiten teeth but there is no scientific research to suggest that it works.
10. Teeth Whitening Works for Everyone
FALSE!
Teeth will naturally darken with age, not just from red wine and coffee.
Over time the outer layer of white enamel wears thinner which allows from the dentin which is yellow in color to show.
These are just some of the myths surrounding teeth whitening, make sure when you are choosing a product you are using one that is dentist-approved.
At SmileNV we have supplied millions of teeth whitening gels to dentists worldwide for over 10 years, so we know what we are talking about when it comes to whitening teeth.