Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile that they can show off to the world, but many people lose confidence in their smile when their teeth are not as white as they would like them to be. If you are dealing with teeth discolouration and stains, there are many different things that could be contributing to the problem. Perhaps you drink lots of coffee, tea, and dark soda, or maybe your teeth are stained because of a smoking habit. Alternatively, your yellowing teeth may have nothing to do with your actions and more to do with the fact that you are aging and losing enamel.
Whatever the cause is, teeth whitening can restore your confidence. Before you buy a cheap, over-the-counter product, however, there are several teeth whitening myths you should be aware of.
1. Myth: DIY methods are effective. DIY methods are not effective, and they can do more harm than good. One popular method, for example, is using fruits like lemons and strawberries to whiten teeth. Acidic fruits are abrasive, and they will damage your enamel if you apply them to your teeth. This can make the discolouration worse, since enamel erosion reveals the yellowish dentin underneath.
2. Myth: Teeth whitening is unsafe. Some teeth whitening methods, like the one we just discussed, are not safe, but getting your teeth whitened by a dental professional is nothing to worry about. The whitening gel dentists use is gentle and won’t harm your enamel.
3. Myth: Teeth whitening results are permanent. Teeth whitening doesn’t last forever, especially if you continue habits like drinking dark beverages and don’t practice good oral hygiene. However, professional teeth whitening lasts longer than other methods. Just be sure not to overdo it, or you might develop sensitivity.