What Are the Dangers of DIY Whitening for Your Teeth?

Everyone wants to have a bright white smile, but discoloration happens naturally over time, especially if you enjoy items like coffee, tea, and red wine. It is something many people are self-conscious about. No wonder you see so many techniques online for DIY teeth whitening. Unfortunately, a lot of these “hacks” can put your oral health at risk. Continue reading to learn about the dangers of DIY whitening, plus safe alternatives, from your cosmetic dentist in Fort Valley.

Over-the-Counter Bleaching Kits

You see countless over-the-counter bleaching kits when you go to the supermarket, but there is a reason why the American Dental Association hasn’t approved any of these products. When you have professional whitening done, a consultation is completed beforehand to ensure you don’t have preexisting issues that could worsen in the process. If you have a cavity, crack, or damaged filling, using a bleaching kit could leave you with serious problems and extreme pain.

DIY Lemon Juice Whitening

Some DIY whitening trends use lemon juice. Just because it’s all-natural doesn’t mean it is a great option for your smile. Lemon juice is very acidic, so you are basically just applying acid to the front surface of your teeth. Ultimately, the top layer of your enamel can be worn away, making it more likely that you develop tooth decay and sensitivity.

Charcoal Toothpaste/Products

One of the biggest recent trends has been using activated charcoal to whiten teeth. The idea is that charcoal draws out impurities and surface stains, leaving your teeth whiter. Even though there may be some truth behind this DIY hack, people who do this are putting themselves at risk for enamel erosion. Ultimately, dentists have not deemed this safe for teeth, as enamel does not grow back once it’s lost.

Baking Soda Toothpaste

Toothpaste that contains baking soda is very common. You can even make your own at home. It does naturally whiten teeth, so many people see short-term results. The issue is that baking soda is mildly abrasive. When you use it on your teeth regularly, it can weaken your enamel over time. Instead, you should choose toothpaste that is free of sodium bicarbonate.

You shouldn’t settle for teeth discoloration, but don’t let these DIY whitening hacks fool you. They could be doing more harm than good. Instead, your Fort Valley dentist could provide you with a beautiful, gleaming grin that you are proud to show off!

About the Author

Dr. Ulysses Marable has been working hard for smiles in the Fort Valley area for 15 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. Dr. Marable is a member of the American Dental Association. If you are interested in professional teeth whitening, he can deliver results with an in-office treatment in only one hour. If an at-home whitening kit sounds more appealing, you’ll start seeing a brighter smile after two weeks. To get started, schedule a consultation on his website or by calling (478) 825-3000.