It’s understandable why you might find the idea of DIY teeth whitening appealing. Social media influencers and bloggers rave about these methods, advertising them as cheap, easy, and “all-natural” alternatives to professional treatment. Unfortunately, the reality is that many of these “hacks” can actually end up harming your oral health – and often produce underwhelming results. Keep reading so you know which ones to watch out for!
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal products have boomed in popularity lately, but there are good reasons to disbelieve the hype. For one thing, activated charcoal is highly abrasive. Applying it to your teeth habitually will wear down your enamel, leaving your pearly whites more vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria.
For another thing, activated charcoal is not FDA approved for teeth whitening – mostly because there’s no research that indicates it actually produces whitening results. It’s better to save your money for a treatment that you know will work!
Baking Soda
Before activated charcoal came on the scene, baking soda was the big craze. Aside from being unpleasant to taste, baking soda can be just as abrasive as its charcoal competitor. It takes a very specific application process to make this method safe for your teeth, so it’s not exactly ideal for many consumers. Plus, as your enamel thins, your smile will start to look duller. All around, it’s not worth investing in baking soda as a teeth whitening solution either.
Lemon Juice
Lemon is an effective stain remover – for just about any material other than dental enamel. Unlike your teeth, your desk or tabletop doesn’t have to worry too much about acidity. Like substances with gritty textures, acidic fluids can weaken your teeth and break down enamel. It might taste better than activated charcoal and baking soda, but lemon juice is just as hazardous for your smile.
Store-Bought Vs. Professional
Even settling for a dedicated teeth whitening product you can get at the store is risky. The product strength and tray size can’t be customized, and frequent usage has been known to cause dental sensitivity and gum irritation.
Your dentist, meanwhile, can customize your whitening treatment. As a qualified professional, they also know how to apply high-quality whitening agents safely and effectively. A take-home or in-office treatment will be worth every penny you spend!
About the Practice
Dr. Stephen Boyles and Dr. Franklin Boyles are a father-and-son duo who have been helping patients enhance their smiles for years. They both understand how beautiful teeth can have a positive impact on your confidence and self-esteem and take dental cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening very seriously. Give them a call today at (432) 231-0441, and they’ll make sure you receive the stunning results you’re looking for without compromising your oral health.