Considering how important a sparkling smile is to people of all ages and genders — and how easily your pearly whites are stained by what you eat and drink — it’s no wonder that teeth whitening in Carrollwood is so popular.
It’s time to bust some myths about teeth whitening and set some facts straight so patients can manage expectations and consider how to handle their stained and discolored teeth with the right information.
White teeth do not necessarily indicate healthy teeth
Do you really need teeth Whitening? Teeth aren’t actually white at all but fall in a range between light gray and yellow. Tooth color also changes naturally with age, since your body produces more yellowish dentin — the substance below your enamel — as you get older. Gleaming white teeth don’t mean you won’t experience cavities and other dental issues.
Teeth whitening and teeth cleaning are not the same things
Teeth cleaning is an essential part of regular oral hygiene to ensure good oral health. Teeth whitening is an elective procedure using bleaching products to achieve cosmetic goals.
Teeth whitening supervised by a dentist is safe
Whitening at a dental clinic in Carrollwood uses stronger products than over-the-counter options but is safer than a DIY kit because the materials can be tailored to your teeth and will be applied by trained professionals. Home whitening kits are safe when used with the advice and support of your dentist.
Dental restorations can not be whitened
You and your dentist will choose crowns, veneers, and other restorations carefully because their color can not be changed. They will not react to whitening products as if they were natural enamel teeth; they are not.
Teeth whitening is not painful
Teeth whitening does not hurt. Having said that, some patients do report more sensitive teeth than usual after having their teeth whitened. If you experience any other side effects — such as stinging or burning — you should get in touch with your dentist’s office.
Pediatric dentists will recommend when whitening may be appropriate for children
Dentists generally recommend holding off on whitening a child’s developing teeth. Your pediatric dentist, who knows what may have caused the discoloration of your child’s teeth, will recommend if and when whitening is appropriate.
Whitened teeth don’t look unnatural
Whitening products and processes are not an all-or-nothing proposition. Color changes achieved through teeth whitening are gradual and progressive. This means that your dentist can fine-tune the result to ensure the most natural appearance.
You can whiten your teeth yourself at home
There are over-the-counter DIY whitening kits that, if applied correctly and precisely as directed, can achieve some whitening results. You should measure your expectations carefully, though, since those results will never approach what a dental clinic in Carrollwood can provide.
Teeth whitening is not permanent
Professionally whitened teeth may stay at their desired degree of whiteness for up to three years as long as you do your part. Whitening is not a substitute for diligent oral health habits and regular dental care. Over time, teeth will accumulate new stains or become discolored again for any number of reasons. Professional whitening lasts much longer than DIY options.
Rubbing fruit on your teeth will not whiten them
There’s a myth that rubbing things like strawberries, banana peels, oranges, or lemons on your teeth will remove stains and whiten enamel. That is false. Worse than false, it’s also potentially harmful. The acid in fruit can erode enamel and cause discoloration.
Mouthwash will not whiten your teeth
Mouthwash and other good oral hygiene habits will keep your teeth cleaner but not make them whiter. Even though mouthwash is sometimes marketed as including whitening ingredients, it has no whitening effect.
Teeth whitening from a Carrollwood dentist is a highly effective, long-lasting, and painless option for many stained and discolored teeth. Is it right for you? If you’re ready to say goodbye to unsightly stains, contact a Carrollwood dentist and ask how they can help.