Have you ever considered teeth whitening? Teeth whitening has become popular with many opting for at-home whitening treatments to achieve a brighter smile. It is easy to achieve whiter teeth. But there are mistakes that you should be aware of. These whitening mistakes could damage your smile, waste your efforts and money, and disappoint you with the results.
You could experience tooth loss, permanent staining, dull and translucent teeth, or have an uneven smile if you make these mistakes. It is always advised to consult and seek professional opinions on teeth whitening tips from your dentist. Explore different teeth whitening options after discussing carefully with your dentist. It becomes important to have the best oral care for whitening to sustain the results longer.
Let’s look at the 10 common teeth-whitening errors that are stopping you from having that smile of your dreams!
Overusing Whitening Products
Overuse of teeth whitening products could make the teeth appear translucent. There are chances of permanent discoloration, especially around the edges. Misuse of whitening gels and strips is common now, with many leaving them longer than recommended. This increases teeth sensitivity, harming your enamel. Gums become swollen, red, and sensitive.
You should follow the instructions on the product package, or consult your dentist. Your dentist might notice the loss in enamel due to teeth whitening overuse. Teeth become prone to decay as the enamel won’t come back once lost. It is always better to go for a professional grade whitening, for a healthy smile.
Ignoring Professional Advice
How often do you visit your dentist? Usually, it is advised to visit your dentist every six to twelve months. Many opt for over-the-counter options before consulting their dentists. Dentist recommendations are essential to deciding on the method to follow and course of action. Your dentist examines your teeth and gives expert whitening advice after discussing your goals. You could opt for in-office professional teeth whitening which is slightly expensive with the best results or at-home teeth whitening which varies in costs and results.
The initial state of your teeth and gums plays an important role in deciding the whitening method. At-home whitening choices include strips and gels, whitening toothpaste, whitening rinses, whitening gums, and tray-based whitening systems. The tray-based whitening systems could be bought over the counter, or you could get the custom whitening trays made by your dentists. Never ignore professional advice about your health.
Using Abrasive Whitening Toothpaste
Abrasive whitening toothpaste uses abrasives such as salt, baking soda, hydrated silica, or charcoal to whiten the teeth. These are blended with active ingredients like fluoride which helps prevent cavities. Teeth damage from toothpaste could also be from bleaching agents, surfactants, or colorants.
Bleaching agents should not be used for longer periods, as abrasive whitening toothpaste risks include gum ulcers, teeth enamel damage, inflammation, and irritation. It is always better to talk to your dentist about the toothpaste of choice and the duration for healthy usage. Always opt for pea-sized amounts of milder toothpaste and use toothbrushes with soft bristles.
Skipping Regular Brushing and Flossing
Teeth whitening is not a substitute for brushing and flossing. Even with powerful whitening products skipping brushing and neglecting flossing will defeat the purpose. Whitening products help with lightening the teeth in several shades. Brushing and flossing are necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. They help prevent cavities, gum diseases, plaque, and tartar buildup. These are the non-negotiables to maintain great oral health.
Maintaining white teeth is only possible with brushing, flossing, and mouthwashing. If not, your poor oral hygiene will make it impossible to get the whitening treatments. Whitening treatments on weak and sensitive teeth will result in tooth decay, enamel loss, and in severe cases tooth loss. Whitening complements your routine, it should not be the only one in your routine.
Whitening Teeth with Cavities or Gum Disease
Whitening your teeth with active cavities, gum diseases, or decay should not be done. The bleaching agents could easily penetrate the weak teeth structure causing pain and discomfort. In some cases, there are chances of tooth loss due to infection caused by the whitening products. Whitening with cavities that are treated and filled is however possible after the teeth get healthy and strong enough to go through the procedure.
Whitening with gum diseases is not advised as the gums deal with pain and irritation, while whitening would worsen the pain and at times even damage your teeth. You need to be careful when dealing with dental issues and whitening. It is better to wait until your teeth are healthy enough to handle this procedure without compromising oral health.
Using Teeth Whitening Products Not Approved by the ADA
You should always look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The ADA-approved whitening products are analyzed to prove that they are safe and efficient to use. Unapproved whitening products make your dentists question their legitimacy. Risks of unapproved whitening products include carcinogenic substances and harmful levels of certain ingredients that could damage your teeth.
You might experience burning gums, sore lips, and enamel loss. There is irreversible damage to your teeth. Safe teeth whitening products have a product ingredient list, conduct clinical trials, prove their promotional claim, and most importantly are ADA-approved. Be on the lookout for the products that FDA advisory issues a public health warning.
The ADA Seal of Acceptance (360 Video)
Expecting Instant Results
Instant teeth whitening results are a myth. Realistic whitening expectations for the professional teeth whitening process are a minimum of three weeks for the process to complete. It should also be noted that the initial state and amount of stain on your teeth affect how long whitening takes. With the whitening strips, two weeks is the teeth whitening time frame expecting the teeth to lighten by one or two shades. It should be kept for 30 minutes at a time and used twice per day.
Not Protecting Your Teeth After Whitening
Teeth protection after whitening is essential as the teeth become porous for the next two to three days. This makes them prone to staining from foods and drinks. Some foods to avoid during post-whitening care are coffee, red wine, beetroots, dark sauces like soy sauce and tomato sauce, colored sodas like Fanta and Coca-Cola, berries, vinegar, pickles, or citrus fruits. Avoiding staining foods that are dark and acidic should be your goal.
Whitening maintenance is relatively easy, but there are no additional steps that should be taken. It is advised to not have your teeth whitened more than two times a year as it would damage the enamel. Make sure to follow a thorough routine to upkeep the whitening procedure.
Whitening Only Your Front Teeth
A common mistake is whitening only the front teeth. This leads to uneven whitening which is noticeable when you smile or laugh. It is important to treat all the teeth while using the whitening products at home, ensuring full mouth whitening. It is always best to consult your dentist before you begin the whitening procedure. It is especially important if you are aiming for smile consistency and improving your smile.
Ignoring the Risks of DIY Teeth Whitening Methods
DIY teeth whitening methods have their list of risks. Some home remedies like baking soda and lemon, using rock salt, fruit peels, and hydrogen peroxide are most commonly used. Teeth sensitivity and enamel damage are the most common at-home whitening risks.
Baking soda and rock salt have similar side effects as they are harsh on the gums making them irritated when brushed too hard. Hydrogen peroxide is an unsafe whitening method due to its ability to penetrate enamel. Fruit peels are used for their natural acids, but the sugar content in them will contribute to tooth decay if not rinsed well. The results from these methods are not scientifically proven to cause whitening damage.
Conclusion
Avoiding these teeth-whitening mistakes will help you get that radiant smile that you were hoping for. Overusing whitening products, and neglecting professional advice will do irreversible damage. Using abrasive whitening toothpaste and skipping your routine will lead to oral health issues. It is important to prioritize oral hygiene and health at all stages of the dental journey. Always choose ADA-approved products and select the one you resonate with after consulting your dentist. Follow the professional whitening solutions to maintain white teeth.
We at Ridge Oral Surgery provide optimal oral care, keeping patients at the forefront. We believe in personalizing every dental practice, as each one of you is unique and deserves a pleasant experience. We are proud to house the best-in-class technology to meet all your expectations. We offer expert insights to brighten your smile and address any underlying dental concerns.
Want a brighter, healthier smile? Contact Ridge Oral Surgery today to explore safe and effective professional whitening options tailored to your needs.
