The desire for a perfect white smile has become widespread in recent years. Nowadays, the internet is flooded with “tried-and-true” whitening products that can be found at your local store – but do they really work? Even though they promise to deliver stunning results comparable to those of professional treatment, they aren’t ideal because of the negative effects they can have on your oral health. Read on as a cosmetic dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach explains why you should leave teeth whitening to the pros instead.
Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?
First of all, let’s discuss why and how teeth lose their shine. Sometimes it’s because of stains from overconsumption of dark-colored foods and drinks (i.e., soy sauce, tomato sauce, coffee, tea, soda, wine). The good news is that the discoloration can easily be addressed with standard at-home practices or during a regular trip to your dentist.
However, the most common reason behind a darkening grin is thinning enamel. Underneath the outside layer of enamel is a yellow-brown core called dentin. Over the years, your enamel wears down from acidic foods, teeth grinding, scuffs, or natural aging. That causes the dentin to get closer to the surface, making your teeth appear more yellow.
Do Over-the-Counter Whitening Products Work?
Let’s take a closer look at the effectiveness of two popular over-the-counter teeth whitening products:
Whitening Toothpaste
There are a seemingly endless number of toothpaste options to choose from, with each one offering unique benefits. Whitening toothpaste has become increasingly popular, promising to brighten your smile in no time. However, very few dentists recommend them because they have little to no effect on your teeth. In fact, many of these products contain physical abrasives that can remove surface stains but damage the enamel and scrape away dentin in the process.
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are a far more effective product than toothpaste. They contain bleaching chemicals like carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, both of which help eliminate stains. But if they come into contact with your gums, they can lead to tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Therefore, if you decide to use this product, you should get custom whitening trays instead of strips to avoid contact with your gums and reach the curves of your teeth better.
What’s the Safest Way to Whiten Teeth?
Ultimately, your dentist is most qualified to advise you on the safest, most effective way to brighten your pearly whites. If you must use an over-the-counter whitening product, be sure to choose one your dentist recommends and use it as instructed. You can also opt for professional whitening treatment if it’s available at your local dental practice. In either case, your dentist will be more than happy to help you choose an option that won’t pose a threat to your oral health.
Even though over-the-counter whitening products can effectively brighten your teeth, you should always consult with your cosmetic dentist in Ponte Vedra first. They’ll help you find the safest, most effective way to whiten your smile!
About the Practice
At Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, we strive to make every visit as comfortable, relaxing, and enjoyable as possible. Our team will always go above and beyond to ensure you receive the best treatment possible. If you’re not sure what the best way to whiten your teeth is, we can explain your options and help you decide on the best one for your needs. To make an appointment, visit our website or call (904) 285-7711.