Teeth Whitening Mistakes Most People Make

You’re not the only one who wishes they had whiter teeth. Research shows that 80% of Americans between 18 to 49 years old want the same thing you do. While teeth whitening in Solana is an excellent way to improve your smile, you’ll want to do your homework before trying anything new. We’ve compiled the common mistakes people make when whitening teeth.

Teeth Whitening: Common Mistakes to Avoid

MISTAKE #1: Using Whitening Toothpaste Every Day

Did you know that over-the-counter whitening toothpaste can damage your teeth when used for long periods? Since these products usually contain abrasives to give your smile a polished effect, continued use can lead to enamel erosion and gum recession. Unless you’re willing to risk exposing your tooth’s root surface and experiencing painful tooth wear, it’s best to switch to multi-purpose fluoride toothpaste. 

MISTAKE #2: Forgetting to Brush or Floss Beforehand

Tooth bleaching shouldn't replace your oral care routine. Since plaque and food particles on your teeth interfere with the brightening process, you'll want to brush and floss to prep your teeth's surface to ensure the bleaching agents seep into the enamel and eliminate the stains. 

MISTAKE #3: Leaving Whitening Strips Longer Than Recommended

Contrary to popular belief, wearing whitening strips longer or using them more frequently won't make the results any more dramatic. Too much exposure can cause bright splotches, permanent damage to your enamel, hurt your gums, and increase tooth sensitivity. For these reasons, you'll want to read and follow the instructions that come with the whitening strips. 

MISTAKE #4: Using Ill-Fitting Whitening Trays

Since everyone’s mouth is unique, using over-the-counter whitening trays that aren’t custom-made for your mouth can cause the bleaching chemicals to leak out of the trays. When these chemicals come into contact with your gums, they can cause irritation. In addition, your saliva can deactivate the peroxide’s whitening properties. The best way to avoid these unpleasant repercussions of using one-size-fits-all whitening trays is to speak with your dentist about customized treatments.   

MISTAKE #5: Brushing with Baking Soda

Although baking soda can remove surface stains, it can cause considerable damage to your tooth enamel and increase sensitivity. Instead of brushing with baking soda, it’s best to use toothpaste formulated with baking soda to eliminate the threat of enamel abrasion.    

MISTAKE #6: Using Acidic Fruits and Liquids  

Did you know that using citrus fruits, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar to whiten your teeth can increase your chances of developing tooth sensitivity, cavities, and gum tissue recession? While these substances may eliminate stains on your teeth’s surface, they’re highly corrosive. For this reason, they can cause enamel erosion by breaking down the enamel’s mineral structure. Unfortunately, your tooth enamel won’t grow back once you lose it.  

MISTAKE #7: Using Household Products  

Some people use household products, such as hydrogen peroxide and bleach, for whitening teeth. You’ll want to avoid making this mistake as these products aren’t intended for this use.  

Although hydrogen peroxide and bleach are common ingredients in teeth whitening products, these harsh chemicals can cause tooth sensitivity, damage to the tooth enamel, and other oral health issues when used in high concentrations for prolonged periods. Furthermore, combining hydrogen peroxide and bleach to whiten teeth can lead to chemical burns on your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth.

Considering Professional Teeth Whitening in Solana?

Experimenting with bleaching methods can harm your mouth., it’s best to seek guidance from a trusted dentist before doing anything to whiten your smile. 

At Inspire Smiles, we’re committed to helping you get a smile you’ll love to look at. Contact us today to make an appointment.