Oct
Weāve all seen those DIY tutorials online that involve mountains of hot glue and floral foam. Those can be fun, but youāre probably going to wind up with a few burns, and the results they produce hardly look professional. DIY teeth whitening is often the same way. There are several methods online that claim to work, but these are usually unnecessarily dangerous and donāt whiten your teeth to the extent that an experienced dentist can. Hereās a quick rundown of some of the most common DIY whitening solutions and why you should probably avoid them.
Charcoal is absorbent, so much so that some people claim brushing with it will soak up bacteria and stains. While itās possible charcoal could have some whitening effects, itās also a very hard abrasive, meaning it could potentially damage your enamel. For this reason, charcoal toothpaste doesnāt carry the ADA seal of approval.
Some professional-grade teeth whitening solutions are acidic, which might be what leads some people to believe that lemon juice can brighten your smile. However, the citric acid in lemons is more likely to corrode your enamel, causing tooth sensitivity. And, of course, to make your breath smell like lemons.
The act of swishing a small amount of oil around your mouth for 20 or so minutes is said to provide some incredible health benefits, including whitening your teeth. This theory has no scientific evidence supporting it. The most oil pulling has been proven to do is cause jaw pain and potentially make your teeth more sensitive.
This chemical is a well-established whitening method, often used in dental offices. That leads people to think they can apply it at home to avoid having to pay for professional treatment. The problem is that hydrogen peroxide can if applied incorrectly, irritate the gums and damage the teeth. Dentists know how to use it safely; most people do not.
Itās easy to think that if you get something from a pharmacy, it probably canāt hurt you, but just because itās store-bought doesnāt mean itās safe. Most OTC whitening solutions you buy arenāt ADA-approved and consist of powerful chemicals that can do serious damage. In the worst-case scenario, bleach can enter the nerve chamber of a tooth, causing extraordinary discomfort.
Ultimately, the way to get your best smile is by visiting your dentist for professional whitening. The procedure is fast, easy, and completely safe. Just a single appointment can make your smile up to eight shades brighter without putting your oral health at risk. If you want the convenience of doing it at home, your dentist can always give you a take-home whitening kit thatās much safer than their over-the-counter alternative. You deserve the best, and that can only come from an expert.
Dr. Robert A. Sue is a cosmetic dentist with over 40 years of experience. Over that time, he has become an expert in every aspect of cosmetic dentistry. He uses that expertise to give people their perfect smile. Dr. Sue takes the time to get to know every patient, tailoring your treatment to your precise needs. If you have any questions about teeth whitening, he can be reached via his website or by phone at 818-243-3838.
Dr. Ivan Chan is a compassionate dentist with extensive training in preventative, restorative, implant, and cosmetic dentistry. He earned his Biology degree from the University of California, San Diego, where he helped run free dental clinics for underserved communities. Dr. Chan received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California, San Francisco. He has volunteered on mission trips in Mexico to provide quality dental care to underserved communities. Dr. Chan has also been on humanitarian missions with the US Navy on the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship. Committed to accessible, high-quality dental care, he combines expertise with a dedication to improving everyoneās oral health.
Dr. Jonathan Gao is a dedicated orthodontist with a passion for providing exceptional care. He holds a degree in Human Biology from UC San Diego and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from UC San Francisco (UCSF), where he also completed his orthodontic residency. Dr. Gao’s commitment to both research and community service earned him multiple awards, including Distinguished Volunteer and Provider of the Year at the UCSF Community Dental Clinic. His expertise, coupled with his dedication to serving others, underscores his reputation for delivering trustworthy, patient-centered care.
Dr. Moji Ghalambor is a highly skilled endodontist who is passionate about patient care and community service. He earned his Biology degree from Hope International University, where he also played collegiate soccer, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Southern California (USC). After practicing general dentistry, he pursued specialized training in Endodontics at USC. Dr. Ghalambor served as class president for four years and participated in mission trips to Belize, Cambodia, Nicaragua, and Panama. His expertise, leadership, and commitment to underserved communities define his trustworthy approach.