If your teeth are yellow, you might find yourself using desperate measures to brigthen your teeth. But be careful of falling for false product claims and remember that certain products can be harmful.
This article will dispel many of the myths about teeth whitening.
Brushing with Baking Soda – MYTH
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate.
Brushing with baking soda is not an effective way to whiten teeth. It can cause your teeth to abrade and erode (wear away) over time. This can then actually make your teeth thinner and make the deeper part of the tooth, the dentine shine through making your teeth actually look more yellow!
Brushing or rinsing with Lemon infused water – MYTH
This is not an effective method for whitening your teeth. In fact, acids in the diet can cause damage to your teeth. Over time they can cause the tooth tissue to erode and cause sensitivity. It is not recommended.
Coconut Oil Pulling – MYTH
“Oil pulling” is the process of coconut oil being worked in the mouth by pulling, pushing, and sucking it through the teeth. The method involves rinsing approximately one tablespoon of oil around in your mouth.
Many individuals believe that this can cause teeth to whiten. However, there is no clinical evidence to show that oil pulling will whiten teeth.
Charcoal Paste – MYTH
This method involves activated charcoal being mixed with water into a paste and using this with a toothbrush to clean the teeth.
However, there is no solid evidence that charcoal is an effective way to whiten teeth. A dentist’s concern would be the abrasive effect on the tooth tissue leading to sensitivity and irreversible damage.
Whitening systems used by the dentist – FACT
Whitening by the dentist is the safest and most effective method to whiten teeth.
Following a dental examination to ensure there is no dental disease, the in-chair one hour procedure involves a bleaching gel being applied to all teeth. A focused light then activates the gel and produces the whitening effect, making in-chair whitening the fastest procedure available.
Take home bleaching trays, custom made by your dentist, will have the same results and take approximately 7-10 days. Your dentist will make a custom mould of your teeth and provides you with the whitening gel to apply at home, with take home instructions that are very important to adhere to.
To avoid stained teeth, limiting tea or coffee, red wine and smoking is advised. Regular effective brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste and regular cleans by your dentist can also help keep your teeth white.
