Teeth whitening: Debunking the top myths

Teeth whitening is one of the most mainstream dental procedures around. It has become so mainstream that a lot of options are do it yourself based. While you can find dentists in Ballymena or your wherever you may live, there are other ways in which you can apply an in-home treatment and reap the benefits. Admittedly, the latter isn’t quite as potent and the whiteness might not be as satisfying, but the option does exist.

As this is a procedure which has become so popular over recent years, it’s hardly surprising to see that there are umpteen myths and misconceptions that are around. Bearing this in mind, some of the most common myths surrounding teeth whitening are highlighted below.

Myth #1 – You can use fruit to whiten your teeth

Strawberries and lemons seem to be the most commonly referred to foods to help with teeth whitening. On one hand it’s completely understandable as in some ways, both strawberries and lemons can be used to whiten your teeth.

Looking at the situation in the wider picture, it’s not really the case though. These are two foods which contain a considerable amount of acid, which over time will eat away at the enamel in your teeth. The result is that you’ll cause much more damage to your teeth than the whitening effect is worth.

Myth #2 – One procedure is enough to whiten your teeth permanently

Unfortunately, while the procedures are getting more advanced, teeth whitening isn’t really a permanent thing.

Once again, there is some substance to this myth. After all, the whitening that is applied doesn’t really lose its effect. If your teeth weren’t to age, they would stay white forever. It should go without saying that we do all age though, and with this brings natural yellowing.

Therefore, over time the aging process will make your teeth get more yellow and it’s best to invest in touch ups which can keep “topping up” the white effect.

Myth #3 – It’s easy to whiten crowns and veneers

Most people know that both crowns and veneers are made from synthetic material (porcelain, to be precise). The whitening techniques used by dentists work on natural teeth, but when the substance comes into contact with porcelain it’s a different story. They just don’t have any effect, meaning that anyone who wants a full mouth of white teeth will need to replace their crowns with ones of a purer white shade.

Myth #4 – Whitening toothpaste is just as effective

While the packaging may suggest otherwise, whitening toothpaste isn’t anywhere near as effective as a dentist’s solution.

Sure, there are whitening chemicals in some toothpaste, but they are exceptionally weak. Chemicals need to be in contact with teeth for a prolonged period of time to have an effect – with most recommending that anywhere less than twenty minutes isn’t going to do the trick.

It is hopeful that by looking at some of these myths surrounding teeth whitening that you can better help yourself get whiter teeth.

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