There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about our health. Most of them were created many years ago and handed down from generation to generation. But most myths about teeth whitening a quite recent because certain teeth whitening procedures were invented not so long ago. In this article, we gathered eight debunked myths about teeth whitening.
1. OTC teeth whitening products affect the digestive system
If you do not swallow teeth-whitening products and strictly follow the manual, they shouldn’t be harmful. But you should know that it is better to buy them at the drugstore. Another question is that the effectiveness of these teeth whitening kits is lower than in-office whitening.
2. The result of in-office whitening depends on its cost
The cost of the teeth whitening procedure doesn’t affect the brightness of your smile but the initial color of the teeth and the whitening method have a great impact on the result.
The recent advanced techniques are more expensive. But it is better to consult your dentist about the most suitable teeth whitening procedure for you. The doctor will choose the most gentle way of whitening and consider the individual characteristics of your tooth enamel.
3. Gray enamel can’t be bleached
Yellow or brown spots on the teeth can be easily removed with the help of professional teeth whitening. Despite the fact, that the grey shade of enamel is considered one of the most difficult to bleach, modern methods can make it brighter. In some cases, you will need to undergo a few teeth whitening procedures to achieve a better result.
4. Whitening toothpastes are less harmful than in-office whitening
Whitening toothpastes are not able to make your teeth perfectly white. You can use them to maintain the result of in-office teeth whitening or home whitening kits. But you should consider the abrasive properties of whitening toothpastes because they can scratch your sensitive (after whitening) teeth.
Toothpaste with low abrasiveness can be suitable for everyone but heavy smokers can choose whitening toothpaste with higher abrasiveness. You should also know that it is better to use them only a few times a week.
5. All coloured foods and drinks are forbidden
Of course, foods and drinks that contain a lot of pigments can colour your teeth. However, it is impossible to avoid all products because many natural foods have pigment but remain very beneficial for overall health.
6. Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar are best for teeth whitening
Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar contain fruit acids that can affect the enamel structure and teeth may become sensitive to various irritants. Prolonged exposure to aggressive agents like acids can lead to dental erosion and other problems with oral health. Fruit acids can soften the enamel and if you eat fruits, it is better to wait with teeth brushing for at least half an hour.
7. Laser whitening can destroy your teeth
During the laser teeth whitening, the laser beam doesn’t affect the teeth. It only activates the composition that is applied to the teeth. It creates a chemical reaction during which oxygen is released. This reaction removes pigments that stain the teeth and they become whiter.
8. Teeth whitening with baking soda is harmless
Even though baking soda can be beneficial, it is aggressive toward tooth enamel. If you look at the baking soda under a microscope, you can see that its particles have sharp edges.
This means that they can leave micro-scratches on tooth enamel. These scratches will accumulate the plague, making your teeth darker and more sensitive.
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