Debunking Common Myths Associated With Teeth Whitening

Are you tired of enduring discolored teeth but hesitant to try teeth whitening due to the numerous myths that surround it? You're not alone. Teeth whitening has become a popular cosmetic procedure in Gainesville FL, yet it remains shrouded in misconceptions. Let's debunk common myths associated with teeth whitening to learn some facts about this effective and safe dental treatment.

Can Teeth Whitening Ruin Your Enamel?

When performed by trained dentists, teeth whitening is a safe and reliable method for improving one's smile in Gainesville FL. The misconception about tooth whitening ruining enamel persists in part because bleaching requires creating access pores on the tooth's surface to remove stains from deeper within the tooth. Some people worry that doing so will cause their tooth enamel to thin and crack.

However, teeth whitening, when performed properly, has no negative effects on tooth enamel. Professional teeth whitening gel is formulated to be safe for use on enamel and is therefore utilized by dentists, dental technicians, and dental therapists.

However, only a trained professional should perform in-office teeth whitening procedures. Whitening your teeth in a salon or with an at-home kit may not use safe procedures and could damage your teeth. If you whiten your teeth too much, you risk damaging your enamel and experiencing heightened sensitivity.

Are All Teeth Whiteners as Effective as Professional Dental Treatments?

Some people claim that using coconut oil or eating acidic fruits like lemons or strawberries can help whiten teeth naturally. Oil pulling, or swishing coconut oil around in your mouth, is not an effective method for whitening teeth, despite widespread assumptions to the contrary.

The claim that eating lemons or strawberries will make your teeth whiter is also unfounded. Using acidic fruits like these can cause more harm than good for your teeth.

Strawberry juice and lemon juice both have very low pH values, making them acidic. The acidity can erode tooth enamel, making teeth more sensitive and possibly necessitating further dental care in the future.

While using coconut oil and lemon juice might make your teeth seem and feel cleaner for a short period, this is likely due to the oil residue. They will not whiten your teeth or erase stains.

Is Teeth Whitening Is a Permanent Procedure?

Teeth whitening may have long-lasting effects, but it is not a permanent treatment. Your oral hygiene, food intake, anatomy, and lifestyle choices will all affect how long the whitening results last.

An initial step toward a more confident smile is realizing that teeth whitening is not an all-encompassing solution. External factors, such as beverages, smoking, and food, continually stain your teeth. You can still stain your teeth after a whitening treatment.

Furthermore, your diet and way of living can impact how long your teeth whitening lasts. Consuming coffee, tea, or red wine, all of which are known to stain teeth, is one way to progressively dull your teeth's whiteness. Smoking is another factor that contributes to tooth discoloration and lessens the results of teeth whitening treatments.

Does Teeth Whitening Makes Teeth Sensitive?

While teeth sensitivity is a real possibility after bleaching, it is usually short-term and manageable. Some people may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures after teeth whitening. However, this is mainly because their teeth have been dehydrated. Your teeth, like your skin, have microscopic pores that may absorb substances.

Dehydration of these pores reduces their ability to insulate the nerve, leading to hypersensitivity to temperature changes. The sensitivity should subside after a few days of rehydrating your teeth. If your mouth feels hot or itchy, stop using the treatment and consult with Dr. Cruz-Davis. He can prescribe unique mixtures or suggest using a mouthwash every day.

Contact us at Cruz Davis Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to book a teeth whitening appointment or for other dentist services in the greater Gainesville FL area.