One of the most popular aesthetic procedures in the dental health industry is teeth whitening. However, recently the myths and facts surrounding this are becoming increasingly popular.
When it comes to whitening treatments, some people look for teeth whitening options in registered dental clinics, whilst others might resort to beauty salons for such treatment. The other option is home remedies which can put one’s oral health at risk and even illegal in some countries. This post looks at a few common myths related to teeth whitening and reveals which ones are true and which ones are false.
Some of the common myths related to teeth whitening are as follows-
#1 One of the major common myths related to teeth whitening is that bicarbonate soda whitens teeth. Though found in toothpaste, teeth whitening products, and being a common ingredient of cakes or bread, bicarbonate of soda is an ingredient that damages teeth in the long term. Though effective in removing stains from teeth, bicarbonate soda also causes damage to the enamel, which is a tooth’s natural protective layer.
#2 One myth that is true and actually helpful is that charcoal toothpaste is useful in whitening teeth. As well as being successful in preventing stains, toothpaste with charcoal can also help whiten teeth to an extent. However, frequent and daily use of charcoal products is not advised as the compounds can be abrasive and will break down tooth enamel.
#3 One major misconception with teeth whitening is that once teeth have been whitened, they will remain white and bright forever. This is untrue. Having your meals daily can leave dental plaque and discolor teeth even after a whitening process. Whilst changes in diet and lifestyle may reduce the chance of tooth discoloration, it is impossible to entirely prevent staining. To minimize staining, reductions in the drinks such as wine, fruit juice, and coffee/tea will reduce the natural staining due to the natural dying agents in these drinks.
#4 A common myth prevailing in people’s minds is that consuming acidic fruits can whiten teeth. There is no such scientific evidence that can remove stains, which can do more harm than any sort of good. Acidic fruit damages the tooth enamel, so one should try to avoid this method.
#5 Whitening teeth with bleach is regarded as a common myth that is actually true. Peroxide-based bleaching is known to be a popular domestic whitening product. Although, this can never be an alternative to dental whitening at a medical clinic where care is taken by experienced clinical practicians for your treatment.
#6 Some people tend to brush harder to whiten their teeth. Brushing hard does not clean your teeth more effectively. But, this can cause damage to your gums or even break down your enamel.
On top of the above myths, DenTek, a dental health care company, looks at some more of these dental myths explored here.
These are some of the common myths associated with teeth whitening. While some of these are regarded to be true, others are mostly misconceptions that people have in their minds. Whilst some of these myths might have some truths, standard dental practices such as brushing twice a day and using dental floss where necessary are proven methods to look after your teeth.
