The Truth Behind 3 Common Teeth Whitening Myths

Tired of looking into the mirror, only to see yellowing, discolored teeth? Have your yellow teeth led you to feel self-conscious about your smile? If so, then it might be time to consider having your teeth professionally whitened by a cosmetic dentist. Perhaps it's something you've even considered in the past, only to be scared off by one of the many myths that are floating around regarding tooth whitening. It's time to debunk these myths and expose the truth behind them.

It'll Make Your Teeth Permanently Sensitive

One of the most common myths about tooth whitening is that once you have it done, your teeth will never be the same; they'll be sensitive to hot and cold, and you'll be very uncomfortable. In reality, sensitive teeth are not a common side effect of teeth whitening. In cases where patients do report tooth sensitivity, it's usually a temporary thing that goes away within just a few days. Generally, tooth sensitivity following a whitening procedure is the result of the wrong concentration of chemicals being used or the treatment being left on for too long, but it's far from common.

Your Dentist Has to Do It

If you don't like being in the dentist's chair, you're certainly not alone. However, did you know that you can enjoy professional teeth whitening from the comfort and convenience of your own home? These days, many dentists offer teeth whitening trays, which include a customized plastic mold of your teeth, along with a small amount of whitening solution. At home, you can wear these whitening trays as directed and achieve the same results as you'd see in an office visit.

It Will Strip Away Your Teeth Enamel

Finally, don't fall for the myth that whitening your teeth will strip away your tooth enamel, leaving you more prone to tooth decay and other problems. In reality, so long as the right amount of chemicals are used and the procedure is done as it's supposed to, your tooth enamel will not be affected by having a tooth whitening procedure done. These days, teeth whitening gels go through strict testing by the FDA, so the ones that are FDA-approved are safe on the enamel when used as directed.

Now that you know the truth behind these common teeth whitening myths, perhaps it's time to talk to your dentist about the possibility of having this procedure done in the near future.

For more information, contact Karla M. Kreger D.D.S. or a similar dental professional.


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