If you’re teeth are yellow or otherwise discolored, there are several products and homemade bleaching hacks that claim to effectively lift stains from your smile. From whitening strips to toothpaste, there are seemingly endless options to pick from. You may be wondering: do over-the-counter teeth whitening products actually work? Read on to learn the answer to that question as well as the dangers of at-home teeth bleaching solutions, and why it’s best to visit a professional.
Do Over-the-Counter Whitening Products Work?
Although everyone’s smile is different and some patients can successfully whiten their smiles with over-the-counter whitening products, they typically offer lackluster results. One of the reasons why store-bought products aren’t that effective is because teeth bleaching trays aren’t customized to fit your smile. Another reason is that the whitening agents used in over-the-counter products are often diluted, which makes them much less effective at brightening your smile.
Additionally, whitening strips only tend to cover the front few teeth, which can lead to uneven product distribution. Your saliva also tends to mix with the whitening agents, which further dilutes them and can result in little to no noticeable improvements. Whitening toothpaste is sometimes effective at stain removal, but the abrasives these contain can scratch your enamel. This makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities.
The Dangers of At-Home Remedies
If you search the words “teeth whitening” on TikTok or other popular social media platforms, you will likely be bombarded with countless at-home smile brightening methods. Though you think that influencers with bright, beautiful smiles are a good source, many of these hacks can do more harm than good.
For example, many people swear by using activated charcoal to buff away stains. Much like whitening toothpaste, this can lead to enamel damage. Another popular whitening hack is to rinse with hydrogen peroxide. This can also harm your enamel and may also cause inflammation. These methods have no scientific backing and haven’t been approved by the American Dental Association. The enamel erosion caused by overuse can also expose more of your dentin, which is the yellow inner layer of the tooth. This may ultimately cause your smile to look even more discolored than before.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening Is the Best Option
Just because at-home teeth whitening products are readily available doesn’t mean that they’re the best option for your smile. Professional teeth bleaching services are administered by a licensed dental professional with extensive knowledge of your oral health and how to properly use the products they have at their disposal.
In-office treatments only take about an hour to complete and can whiten your smile by up to eight shades. Additionally, if you opt for at-home treatment, you will be given custom-made trays to ensure that they perfectly fit your smile for maximum efficacy. Both take-home and in-office teeth whitening products are safer, more powerful, more effective, and will provide longer-lasting results than anything you can buy at a grocery or drug store.
Though some over-the-counter teeth whitening products are effective at removing stains, professional services are always your best bet. Contact your dentist if you’re interested in achieving a brighter, whiter smile!
About the Author
Has your smile lost its luster? Led by Dr. Suzanne Najjar and Dr. Caitlyn Le, Amaze Dental offers teeth bleaching services that can help revitalize your pearly whites. Whether you decide to opt for in-office treatment or custom whitening trays to brighten your smile at home, you will soon be sporting a gorgeous grin you love! Call Amaze Dental at (972) 230-1100 or visit their website for more information on their teeth whitening services or to set up an appointment.