Teeth can get stained over time, but teeth whitening procedures can help improve their appearance and give you a brighter smile.

If you Google “how to whiten your teeth,” you’ll get many search results about the methods, solutions, and products for teeth whitening. However, you have to be careful because you need a dentist who can tell you the best things to do to whiten your teeth.

Read on to separate fact from fiction when it comes to teeth whitening.

Myth #1: Whitening Toothpaste is as Effective as a Professional Whitening Treatment.

Even though whitening toothpaste can give you a lighter shade, it cannot guarantee the same level of whitening that professional procedures can.

The difference between these two teeth whitening methods comes down to chemical science.

Whitening toothpaste can indeed eliminate surface stains. However, it does not contain any oxidizing agents, which lighten the stains. Whereas the gels used in professional treatments contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which can penetrate into the deeper layers of the tooth. And this is the key to obtaining a dramatically lighter shade.

Myth #2: Teeth Whitening Can Lead to Sensitive Teeth.

Sure, oxidizing agents can make your teeth more sensitive, but this side effect isn’t permanent.

Whitening your teeth can dehydrate them. As with our skin, our teeth contain super small pores that can absorb fluids.

Once the teeth are dehydrated, this temporarily diminishes the insulation around the nerves, which increases the teeth’s sensitivity to extreme temperatures. However, this sensitivity will eventually go away once your teeth rehydrate a few days after the treatment.

Myth #3: Teeth Whitening Ruins Your Tooth Enamel and Isn’t Safe.

Medical-grade teeth whitening products won’t harm your tooth’s enamel – in the hands of a qualified and highly-trained dentist.

The chemical properties of the whitening gel used in the procedure penetrate the tooth’s enamel, all the way through to the dentin underneath. Dentin gives your teeth its color, so applying oxidizing agents to it can make your teeth whiter.

The whitening process itself is quite gentle, but improper or excessive use of the whitening gel can harm your teeth. Too much whitening can make your teeth translucent instead of white. Once this happens, it will result in increased tooth sensitivity.

Which is why it’s very important to get treatment done from a dentist.

Myth #4: Once You Whiten Your Teeth, You’ll Never Need to Whiten Them Again.

Teeth whitening treatments can give you whiter teeth, but the results won’t last forever.

A few days after your whitening procedure, you might notice that your teeth aren’t as glaringly white. Once your teeth are rehydrated, they’ll still look whiter than when you started, but in a more natural-looking way (which is the result that most patients are after).

Take note that the results won’t last if you don’t take care of your teeth properly. Thus, it’s best to avoid stuff that can stain your teeth like coffee, tea, and cigarettes.

Myth #5: Teeth Whitening Can Give You a “Hollywood” Smile.

Hollywood celebrities set the bar so high when it comes to having perfect teeth.

But bear in mind that their smiles aren’t always a product of teeth whitening treatments alone. Some get porcelain veneers to correct the shape and alignment of their teeth, aside from making them appear sparkling white.

In addition, photo and video editing, along with filters, can greatly alter the color of their teeth.

Create a Dazzling Smile

At the end of the day, a dazzling smile can make you look younger and more attractive – and give you that added confidence. Here at Dogwood Dental Spa, we offer teeth whitening treatments to help you achieve the bright white smile you deserve.

Call now and book your appointment with us today!