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Facts and Myths on Dental Whitening

Advanced dental medicine has already reached the bounds of “ne plus ultra.” Meaning, based on scientific facts and successful researches done, modern science has given us better understanding of oral diseases and established taxonomic approaches to medical applications, such as teeth whitening, and care intended to improve oral hygiene. However, misconceptions developed when tooth whitening techniques were in its early developments that turned out to have bad outcomes and are still impressed firmly in the minds of people. While some of them have already been laid to rest, here are some of the most widely spread:

Myth 1: Lighter teeth means that you will not have to do touch-up anymore.

Not true. Color constancy will depend on the way you brush your teeth, the food and beverage consumption that leaves stains, how frequent you smoke.

Myth 2: Bleaching makes teeth, fillings, coatings, enamel and bridges white.

Dental whitening products never affect the color of any dental appliance, bonding or fillings. Exercise caution, have tooth whitening first so that other dental work can match the whitened teeth.

Myth 3: A dentist is the only doctor who can make teeth lighter.

There’s no difference between bleaching done at home and by the dentists.

Myth 4: People young and old can have tooth whitening.

It’s not recommended for children because the nerve chamber of the tooth is so large, that it would be possible for them to experience sensitivity to cold water until the process is completed.

Myth 5: Teeth whitening cannot be done at home. It’s risky and not effective and only dentists can give good results.

It doesn’t really matter whether tooth bleaching is done at home or by the dentist; the same result is achieved. There are at-home tooth bleaching kits you can use and can be done in two weeks. They are cheaper and save you more compared to a couple of visits to the dentist.

Myth 6: A lot of people are stuck with the thought that teeth whitening is forever.

A tooth bleaching is good for six to 12 months, depending on your lifestyle, food habits, and the way whitening technique was done. One other thing-toothpastes used for whitening does not have peroxide-based content. The safest and the most effective ingredient of toothpastes for whitening is hydrogen peroxide or carbamide that contain mild abrasant or polishing substance that cleans up stains on the surface of the teeth.

Myth 7: The only effective professional whitening system is the laser.

Laser is one of the options that produce the same end results. Customized tray whitening is another technique as effective as laser and not too expensive. It can be used repeatedly by only changing the gel and it’s very handy.

Myth 8: Chemicals used for teeth whitening are dangerous.

The safest and the most moderate cosmetic procedure we have available even over the counter is carbamide peroxide, proven to be safe for use by the American Dental Association and a very effective agent for whitening.

The best effective way to whiten the teeth is by doing it in a gradual manner. It can be done at home, saves you money and time you spent for the trips going to the dentist. Work it out with your daily routine until you achieve the expected degree of whitening. It would be beneficial to brush the teeth in colligation with the use of dental bleaching system. Before the application, brush the teeth so that the gel contacts the staining material instead of food specks that cleave to your teeth on a day-to-day basis.

Don’t be appalled if your gums or your teeth develop sensitivity. This is but normal, besides the whitening agent is working. It decreases on continued use of the whitening gel. In case the reaction exists, lessen the duration of your whitening sessions or reduce the amount of the whitening agent, just enough to cover your teeth.