Everyone wants a bright, Hollywood smile, so it makes sense that at-home teeth whitening products are so popular. Whether you are at the grocery store or a local drugstore, it’s easy to pick up a DIY teeth whitening toothpaste, strips, and many other products that promise great results.
Even though these DIY teeth whitener options are so accessible, it doesn’t mean that you should be using these products. The reality is that there are serious risks and dangers associated with these over-the-counter whiteners, which could potentially cause irreversible damage to your teeth and gums.
Today, we are taking a closer look at the reasons why DIY teeth whitening isn’t necessarily your best choice. The goal is to help you see how these products could be problematic, and why it’s usually best to choose professional teeth whitening services instead.
The Most Common Methods and Products for DIY Teeth Whitening
A quick search online will uncover a seemingly endless list of possibilities for at-home teeth whitening DIY. Not only are there many over-the-counter products that are relatively affordable, but many websites offer whitening recommendations using seemingly simple ingredients from home.
But remember: just because household items are readily available or you found recommendations online, doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the best treatments for your teeth. The truth is that these internet trends can often cause potential harm to your teeth and gums.
Either the teeth whitening treatments won’t work as you were hoping… or they are too strong and abrasive, causing damage to the outer tooth enamel that protects your teeth from decay.
Some of the most common (and potentially harmful) recommendations for whitening teeth at home DIY include:
- Baking Soda: This ingredient is found in most households, and there are recommendations to use it for DIY teeth whitening. Baking soda provides a mild abrasive response, to scrub the teeth to remove surface stains. But this abrasiveness can also damage enamel.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Even though peroxide has a bleaching effect, extreme caution needs to be used when applying it to the teeth. Hydrogen peroxide can actually cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, especially when it is used in high concentrations.
- Lemon Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar: Both of these liquids are discussed for their health benefits. However, the high acidity of vinegar and lemon juice can be dangerous to your teeth. Even if vinegar and/or lemon juice removes stains, there’s also a high likelihood that the acidity will erode tooth enamel – which makes your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity and decay.
- Activated Charcoal: Sometimes activated charcoal is used as a standalone ingredient, or it is included in a toothbrushing powder or toothpaste. The thought is that the activated charcoal will absorb stains. However, the reality is that activated charcoal can cause long-term damage because of the abrasive nature of this ingredient.
- Oil Pulling: This Ayurvedic practice recommends swishing coconut oil in the mouth for several minutes. The goal is to remove bacteria from between the teeth, which is supposedly pulled out with the oil. But the reality is that there is no scientific evidence for the oral health or teeth whitening benefits of oil pulling.
- Whitening Gels and Strips: When you purchase these products from non-dental sources, they often contain unregulated ingredients. It can be difficult to determine their safety and effectiveness, which is why it’s best to get these products through a trusted source. Many of these DIY teeth whitening products have been found to contain harsh chemicals and high levels of peroxide, which could potentially cause damage to your teeth and gums.
Risks and Dangers of Teeth Whitening DIY Products
Does it really matter if you use DIY teeth whitening products or visit a dentist for professional services? Yes! When you consider the potential damage that can occur, the best solution is to always choose expert care.
Some of the most common risks of DIY for teeth whitening include:
- Enamel Erosion: Harsh, acidic, and abrasive chemicals in the DIY recipes or products can erode tooth enamel, which leads to discoloration, sensitivity, and even an increased risk of tooth decay.
- Gum Irritation: These strong chemicals can cause quite a bit of irritation to sensitive gums. Not only can the gum tissue be irritated, but it’s possible for permanent and irreversible damage to occur. Symptoms might include swollen gums, bleeding, and gum recession.
- Tooth Sensitivity: If the tooth enamel starts to erode from DIY teeth whitening, then it could expose the sensitive dentin layer underneath. You might notice an increased sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet ingredients.
- Unsatisfactory Results: Too often, you will fail to notice any difference in the color of your teeth. You might notice that your teeth start getting whiter with some of these DIY treatments, but they don’t often get the results that are possible with professional teeth whitening. One potential risk of DIY teeth whitening is uneven whitening, so there isn’t a consistent shade with your teeth.
The truth is that DIY teeth whitening can be a waste of time and money and potentially lead to serious complications and damage to your teeth and gums. So, skip the hassle and choose professional services instead.
FAQ Is it safe to use home teeth whitening kits?
Always consult with your dentist first to ensure that your teeth whitening kit is safe and effective.
What is the safest teeth whitening method at home?
The safest method for DIY teeth whitening is whitening toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association. This toothpaste can be a good way to extend the results between professional teeth whitening treatments.
What is the least toxic way to whiten your teeth?
The least toxic solution is to choose professional teeth whitening procedures since your dentist will use the best ingredients and safe, controlled methods for achieving the results that you desire.
How can I whiten my teeth without damaging enamel at home?
Stay away from habits that could discolor your teeth, such as coffee, tea, soda, etc. Also, be consistent about brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
How can I rebuild my enamel and whiten my teeth?
It’s not possible to rebuild enamel once it’s been lost. But you can strengthen it with a fluoride toothpaste and professional dental services.
Learn More About Cosmetic Dental Treatments
If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, then skip the DIY products and talk to our professional team instead. We offer personalized recommendations and a variety of cosmetic dentistry services to choose from. Please call our office at (860) 889-6445.