Teeth whitening is one of the best ways to give your smile a brighter, more appealing look. There are a wide range of whitening products that are available over the counter. From strips to whitening toothpaste, there are a range of options that are easily accessible at many grocery and drug stores. As easy as these products are to get your hands on, that doesn’t mean that they’re the best option for your smile. Read on to learn about some of the potential harms of overusing over-the-counter teeth whitening products.
Do Store-Bought Teeth Whitening Products Work?
There is a range of different things that can cause your smile to become stained and discolored over time. Drinking dark beverages like coffee, smoking cigarettes, improper oral health, and certain medications are a few things that can make smiles become discolored. When this happens, many people turn to store-bought teeth whitening products.
Store-bought products contain weaker whitening agents. Additionally, whitening strips usually only cover the front few teeth, so they don’t provide even results. Also, whitening trays aren’t custom-made, so they’re unlikely to fit your smile properly. Whitening toothpaste can be somewhat effective, but it also contains abrasives that will wear away your enamel over time.
The Risks of Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
Along with enamel wear, there are several other potential side effects of using over-the-counter whitening products including:
- Overexposure – If you whiten your teeth too often, this can cause a range of oral health issues to develop, including a change in the color of your gums, sensitive teeth, and gum irritation.
- Tooth damage – This may happen if you have untreated cavities or gum disease. Any lingering side effects after applying store-bought whiteners are a sign that you should immediately stop using them and contact your dentist.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening Is Better
Professional teeth whitening is the better option when you want to improve the look of your smile. One reason is that your dentist is a trained professional and can ensure that everything goes smoothly throughout your whitening treatment. They also use stronger whitening agents, which will be more effective at removing stains from your smile. The results will last longer, shine brighter, and will require less upkeep.
Though over-the-counter teeth whitening agents may look like a great way to quickly improve the look of your smile, they aren’t the best way to give yourself a more gorgeous grin. With professional treatments, you will be sporting a beautiful, healthy smile you love in no time!
About the Practice
Drs. Brandon D. Rensch and Christine Laster are the dentists who lead the skilled team at Rensch and Laster Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Bright Smiles Family Dentistry with kindness, care, and compassion that is apparent in the way they treat their patients. They offer a wide range of treatment options, including teeth whitening treatments to remove stains from your beam. Do you want more information on Bright Smiles Family Dentistry or to make an appointment with them in their inviting dental office? Call (919) 787-0355 or visit their website to learn more or to set up an appointment.