Teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry, but many myths still surround this safe and effective treatment. If any of the following myths have been preventing you from having your teeth professionally whitened, read on to find out why you do not need to wait any longer to start enjoying a whiter smile.
1. Myth: Teeth Whitening is Harmful
Professional teeth whitening has been designed and tested to ensure that it is both safe and effective. The bleaching agents used by dentists to whiten teeth do not damage tooth enamel or increase the possibility of decay.
Professional teeth whitening is actually much safer than other forms of teeth whitening, such as kits that you use at home. These kits contain bleaching agents that can irritate skin or gums if you leave it in contact with them for too long. When you go to a dentist for teeth whitening, they can take care not to let the stain removal agents have extended contact with your gums, therefore avoiding any sensitivity after the procedure.
2. Myth: You Don't Need Professional Teeth Whitening if You Use Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is a fantastic tool for reducing the rate at which stains build up on the teeth, but it is not very good for removing stains. Once stains have become established on the teeth, the best way to remove them is to visit your dentist for a professional teeth whitening session.
After the session, using whitening toothpaste can help to prevent stain-causing chemicals, such as tannins found in dark-coloured foods and drinks, from sticking to the freshly whitened teeth. For best effects, you need to use the toothpaste every day and take care to brush every surface of your teeth. Even with this kind of usage, some level of staining will eventually return.
3. Myth: You Can Whiten Sensitive Teeth
Many people assume that having sensitive teeth puts whitening treatments off-limits. In fact, even people with severe tooth sensitivity can safely have their teeth whitened in a dentist's office.
The key is to let your dentist know about your sensitive teeth so that they can take steps to avoid making the sensitivity worse. For example, they can apply a desensitizing varnish to block the nerve endings in your teeth, which should remove the possibility of your teeth hurting after the procedure. They can also use a lower concentration of bleaching agent or a shorter treatment time.
For more information about teeth whitening, contact your dentist.
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