The Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening Products

Although it’s recommended that most people make a trip to their dental office twice a year, much of our dental care routine is performed at home. After all, brushing and flossing is something we do on a twice-daily basis — and if used in conjunction with fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, these efforts can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40%.

However, that doesn’t always mean your smile will light up the room. Despite your best efforts, you may notice that your teeth aren’t as pearly white as you’d like. Since you perform other dental care tasks at home, you might be wondering why you can’t whiten your teeth yourself, as well. Let’s take a closer look at why you might need teeth whitening services — and why you should always trust your family dentist over a homemade or store-bought DIY method.

Why Do Teeth Need Whitening At All?

If you generally take good care of your teeth, you might be wondering why your smile is looking lackluster. There are multiple causes of tooth discoloration, such as eating or drinking acidic and starchy items or smoking tobacco. Certain diseases and medications can also lead to enamel discoloration. Genetics, age, and environment can also play a role. While poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth discoloration and staining, it’s certainly not the only cause — and just because you’re looking into teeth whitening doesn’t mean you’ve neglected your dental care. People from all walks of life pursue teeth whitening, so it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

What Are the Dangers DIY Whitening?

That said, you should think twice before you whiten your teeth on your own. Although whitening products are commonly found on store shelves and homemade remedies are all over the internet, some of these options can actually be harmful to your tooth enamel or your overall health. At best, these products may be ineffective because they generally don’t contain the active ingredients that have a lasting effect on the color of your enamel. At worst, they can cause tooth sensitivity, mouth infections, enamel damage, and more. Ultimately, they’ll be either a waste of your money or will make matters much worse than before.

How Can Your Dentist Help?

If you’ve been looking for the most effective products for teeth whitening Portland Maine residents can rely on, it’s actually better to see your dentist than to search for a solution in a store. Your dentist can discuss the options they have available for whitening treatments and whether you’re a good candidate for these services. Then, they can actually send you home with customized mouthguards with dental bleaching treatments you can use at home. While these are technically part of a DIY whitening system, you’ll obtain all of the products you need directly from your dentist. This can ensure that the process is both safe and effective. You won’t have to sit in a dentist’s chair for this treatment, in many cases, but you can feel confident that you’ll see results without harming your health in the process.

Store-bought and homemade DIY tooth whitening treatments often sound too good to be true — and they usually are. By consulting with your dentist regarding a service for tooth whitening, you’ll be well on your way to a brighter, more beautiful smile without taking unnecessary risk. To learn more, please contact our office today.