Everybody wants that bright confident smile complete with really white teeth. One of the dental procedures many people undertake as DIY is teeth whitening. While considered a relatively simple procedure that can be done using over the counter products, many people are unknowingly messing up their teeth. For a start, it is prudent to consult a dentist before commencing a teeth whitening process. The following are some of the mistakes commonly done with people who decide on DIY teeth whitening.
Using food-based acids
Many people are advised to use lemon, apple cider vinegar and such home-based acids to facilitate teeth whitening. This may be a grave mistake for their teeth. Foremost, acids increase the rate at which your enamel erodes. A constant user of such food-based acids will quickly develop sensitive teeth. Some of the food-based acids are also prime growth solutions for bacteria. The acids may contain some form of sugar that only increases the rate at which bacteria drills that cavity into your tooth.
Drinking or smoking when teeth whitening
Many people also forget the most basic principle of teeth whitening: You should not interrupt the activity of the whitening agent. Drinking, smoking or even eating when teeth whitening can result in leakage of whitening products from the trays and strips or even dilution. The result is uneven whitening that does not leave you with that perfect glossy shine that you want from the process.
Whitening damaged teeth
A rookie mistake committed by almost every DIY teeth whitening individual is going hard after every tooth. Whitening-damaged teeth can result in far graver problems for your teeth. This is why it is best to consult a dentist before embarking on the procedures. The dentist will determine the appropriate products for your teeth and how to use them.
Remember, not all teeth will whiten the same. Crowns, implants and fillings will remain their original colour and may result in uneven whitening if not done by a professional.
Baking soda
Yet another popular product used by DIY teeth whiteners is baking soda. Unfortunately, this regiment may not be as effective as you hoped for. Baking soda does remove some surface coloration and spots from enamel. It does not efficiently clean deep seated spots and old stains. The best results would require multiple scrubs using the product in hope for a brighter white. What you get in the end is over-scrubbed teeth with a harsh substance. This can lead to oversensitive teeth and gums.
Share24 February 2017
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
