If you are bothered by stains on your teeth, you aren’t alone. Many people want to achieve a brighter smile they love, and do-it-yourself hacks have started to spread across social media. It’s easy to be tempted to try them out with their promise of aesthetic results. However, these DIY trends can do more harm than give you a whiter grin. Here’s the truth behind three methods you might’ve seen and why you should visit your dentist instead.
1.) Activated Charcoal
A popular option you might’ve seen is activated charcoal. This product is meant to draw out impurities in your smile, leaving it a bit brighter. While it can make a one or two-shade difference, it’s because of how abrasive it is.
When you brush with this ingredient, it wears down your enamel. This thins it out just a bit, so you may end up with some sensitivity the more you use it. Not only that, but the dentin underneath may also become more exposed. This can make your smile look a bit more yellow, dull, or even grayer than before!
2.) Over-the-Counter Items
You might head to your local department store and pick up a store-bought kit, such as whitening strips. The issue with these is that they are one-size-fits-all. They may be too big for some people and too small for others.
Since they aren’t customized to you, it’s easy to get the product on your gums, which can irritate them. You might also only get results that are a couple of shades brighter, but it’s also easy to overuse them. Eventually, they can lead to sensitivity and discomfort.
3.) Hydrogen Peroxide
This ingredient is commonly used in many dental offices as a method for professional teeth whitening. Because of this, many people are trying to use it at home for a DIY hack. However, the difference is that your provider has years of training and experience. They’ll be able to use it while keeping their oral health safe. When you use it yourself, you risk using it too much or too often. Over time, the health of your gums and enamel might suffer, leading to discomfort.
How Can I Get Whiter Teeth Safely?
Hands down, the best way to get a whiter smile you love is by visiting your dentist. They can first ensure your mouth is a healthy foundation, so that you avoid any complications. Once you are all set, they can give you an in-office treatment. Using high-quality materials, they’ll have you wear a pre-filled silicone tray. That way, you can’t overfill them and they’ll adjust to the shape of your mouth. This will help avoid any harm to your teeth and get noticeable results that you love.
Consider heading to your provider instead of trying out a DIY hack. While the convenience of these trends may seem promising, it may not be worth the risk. Stick to a reliable and effective treatment, so you can feel your best afterward.
About the Author
Dr. James Kirby earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee in Memphis. He has over a decade of experience that he uses to give the community the highest-quality care possible. While less-than-perfect teeth may bother you. Dr. Kirby is proud to offer a wide range of treatments, such as professional whitening, to help you feel more confident. With his help, you can trust that you get results you love without any discomfort afterward. If you are interested in this service, schedule an appointment or call his office at (615) 327-2123.