When it comes to taking care of our teeth, many of us are hesitant to experiment with treatments such as teeth whitening. After all, nobody wants to take the risk of having their enamel damaged. So to help clear up any confusion, we’re shedding light on the myth or fact behind tooth whitening and its effects on enamel.
To answer this question right away, no – tooth whitening will not damage your enamel. However, it is important to make sure that you are using the correct whitening product for your teeth and following the instructions provided accordingly.
Myth#1
Tooth whitening damaging enamel has been around for a long time because of the incorrect use of products or procedures in the past. One example is bleaching solutions which contained abrasive elements that could scratch and damage enamel if used incorrectly. That being said, most professional bleaching solution are now formulated without these abrasive ingredients and contain hydrogen peroxide instead (which is proven safe).
Fact#1
To avoiding harsher formulas, it’s also important to be mindful about the amount of time you’re applying an at-home teeth whitener onto your teeth each session. Be cautious of products that suggest you leave a bleaching gel on longer than 30 minutes at a time as this can cause sensitivity and weaken your enamel over time (even if they don’t cause direct damage).
Myth#2
Needless to say, it’s still recommended that you speak with a dental professional before undergoing any kind of bleaching treatment – even when using an at-home product like a whitening strip or tray!
Fact#2
Your dentist will be able to advise on which option would best suit your individual needs and determine whether there might be underlying issues causing discoloration (such as cavities) which should first be treated before starting any kind of bleaching regime.
Myth#3
Bear in mind that professional tooth whitening treatments available through dentists typically have higher concentrations of bleaching agents than those found in over-the-counter kits – so it’s even more essential that you follow the instructions provided closely by your dentist!
Fact#3
Professional tooth whitening treatments available through dentists contain higher concentrations of bleaching agents than over-the-counter kits, requiring greater caution when following instructions provided by the dentist.
Bottom Line
Teeth whitening will not cause direct damage to your enamel. However, it is still important to take precautions when using teeth whiteners and to seek advice from a dental professional before starting any kind of treatment. At Gessner Smile Dentistry, we understand the importance of taking good care of our teeth and we are here to help. So don’t hesitate – call us now and let us help you achieve that perfect smile!