Teeth Whitening Fads
Cosmetic Dentistry in Waldorf, MD
At Christian Johnson Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves a gorgeous smile. That’s why Dr. Christian Johnson and his dedicated staff are proud to provide expert cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening to patients throughout Waldorf, MD. Many people turn to teeth whitening for a quick way to improve their smiles, but unfortunately there are many whitening fads and myths that can actually do more harm than good! Here are a few of them.
Lemons or Berries
Lemons and berries can work to whiten your teeth, but the acids in these fruits eat away at your tooth enamel. This removes the yellowed parts, but leaves your teeth without strong and healthy enamel. Don’t use lemons or berries to whiten your teeth - instead, enjoy them as you normally would, but avoid prolonged contact with your teeth to keep your enamel strong and healthy.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can cause free radical reactions that age healthy tissue. When the peroxide comes into contact with the surfaces of your teeth, it produces reactions that leave your teeth vulnerable to premature aging.
Strong Whitening Gel
A strong whitening gel may work quickly, but it will fade faster, and will also cause sensitivity due to the strength of the whitening agents contained in the gel. Using a very strong gel may also cause pain. If you want a treatment that offers long lasting results, go for a lower concentrated whitening gel which is safer for your teeth.
Whitening Gum & Toothpaste
While gums and toothpastes labeled “whitening” may have some properties that could brighten your smile, they are too weak to be effective. Whitening agents need to be on your teeth for at least 20 minutes in order to make a difference, and using gums and toothpastes this long is not practical nor recommended by your Waldorf cosmetic dentist.
Baking Soda
When in contact with your mouth, baking soda can produce a chemical change that disrupts the ratio of good to bad bacteria. This is not good for your oral health. Additionally, using baking soda to whiten teeth is also unlikely to produce a noticeable color change.