5 Myths About Teeth Whitening

Thinking about brightening your smile? Whitening is one of the more popular ways to do it, but with so many products on the market, from gels and mouthwashes to strips and kits, it can be hard to know what to believe. Let’s clear up five common myths so you can make an informed choice.

Myth 1: Whitening results are permanent

Unfortunately not. As you go on enjoying coffee, tea, wine and dark fruit juices, your teeth will gradually pick up fresh stains. To keep them looking their brightest, you’ll need to top up the results periodically rather than expecting them to last forever.

Myth 2: All whitening products work the same

Not quite. Supermarket and chemist products can certainly lighten your teeth, but they generally work more gradually and to a more modest degree than professional whitening, which uses higher-strength products under guidance. Which suits you depends on your goals and timeframe.

Myth 3: Sensitive teeth rule out whitening

Not necessarily. While some whitening products can increase sensitivity, there are gentler options, including formulas with lower peroxide concentrations, that may work for sensitive teeth. It’s worth mentioning any sensitivity beforehand so the right approach can be chosen.

Myth 4: All teeth whiten evenly

Worth knowing: whitening lightens natural teeth, but dental restorations like fillings, crowns or dentures won’t lighten along with them. If you have these, an uneven result can occur, which is something to factor into your planning.

Myth 5: Baking soda is a great natural whitener

Baking soda is mildly abrasive, so it can help scrub away some surface stains, but it’s far less effective on deeper discolouration. More importantly, using it too often can wear down tooth enamel, so it’s not the harmless natural fix it’s sometimes made out to be.

Get the facts for your smile

We’re happy to give you honest guidance on the whitening options most likely to meet your goals. Ask us at your next visit, or get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre to book.