A good looking smile with white, even teeth is a major confidence booster and really helps make a good first impression. There are dangers DIY teeth whitening. The desire for whiter teeth in today’s society has given rise to a number of popular do-it-yourself teeth whitening methods. While these might seem like great life-hacks to try, many of them can actually do serious damage to our teeth.
Over the last couple of years, you’ve probably heard about some of these trendy teeth whitening approaches, such as activated charcoal, lemon juice, and oil pulling. Oil pulling is an ancient folk remedy, but there is no scientific evidence to back up the claims about its health benefits. Lemon juice is absolutely a bad idea, because you’re essentially applying a strong acid directly to your teeth. Tooth enamel is highly vulnerable to acid, and enamel loss is permanent.
Activated charcoal might be able to absorb stains and toxins, but those benefits are debatable when it comes to teeth, because charcoal is also abrasive, so it could be scraping away enamel even as it removes stains. Hold off on buying that tube of charcoal toothpaste until you see the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and definitely don’t mix up your own.
Another recent DIY whitening trend is using the baking soda in the pantry and the hydrogen peroxide in the medicine cabinet to bleach teeth. The reasoning behind this idea is that hydrogen peroxide is used in professional whitening and baking soda is present in many ADA approved whitening toothpastes, and both proven to be effective at removing stains.
While it is true that peroxide and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) are used in professional and approved whitening products, that doesn’t mean these are safe chemicals to apply to our teeth however we want. There is a delicate balance between using too little, which won’t produce much of a whitening effect, and using too much, which can damage the enamel and the soft tissues of the mouth. Only dental professionals have the knowledge, training, and materials needed to strike that balance.
Your teeth will thank you if you put your trust in dental professionals for your whitening needs rather than trying something risky at home, so bring your teeth whitening questions with you to your next appointment. Together, we can make a plan for how best to whiten your smile. In the meantime, the best things you can do to keep your smile healthy and bright are to keep up with your daily brushing and flossing habits, avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, and don’t smoke.
Flower Mound Dental & Dr. William E. Wyatt Jr. DDS is here to help you get the smile of your dreams!
Are you new to Flower Mound? Have you lived here in Flower Mound for many years? If you are looking for a new dentist in Flower Mound, either for the first time, or looking for a new dentist in Flower Mound, come and see Flower Mound Dental & Dr. William E. Wyatt Jr. DDS. We are a terrific dentist office in Flower Mound and can provide for all of your Flower Mound dentist needs.
Flower Mound Dental: William E. Wyatt Jr. DSS, is here to meet all of your dental needs by providing truly gentle, exceptional dentistry, whether you need a filling, cleaning, whitening, root canal, or any other dental service. Located in Flower Mound, in the Kroger Shopping Center, near Lifetime Fitness, our professional and friendly team will provide you and your entire family with a comfortable and superior dental experience that you won’t find anywhere else. We want you to be comfortable and we want you to bring us your questions and concerns. Our commitment to oral hygiene and your overall wellness results in personalized and comprehensive visits with you to ensure we meet all of your health needs. Dr. Wyatt is a leading professional in his field and takes special care with each person in a calm and inviting atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
For more information visit www.flowermounddental.com or follow us on Twitter @FloMoDental.
When it comes to dental education, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone more knowledgeable than Dr. Wyatt. Dr. Wyatt is actively involved in many facets of continuing education, participating in dental conferences, symposia, and fellowships. In 1986, he received his Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry, which requires at least 500 hours of additional continuing education and the passage of a rigorous written exam. He has studied with some of the most respected dentists in the nation and the world. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners requires 12 hours of continuing education every year to maintain licensure. Dr. Wyatt regularly averages at least 200 hours per year; 1600% more than he’s legally required to do. This affords him access to the latest technological advances in cosmetic, laser, and restorative dentistry.
Dr. Wyatt has held membership in the following prestigious organizations:
He is very active in his local community as a featured speaker in the chamber of commerce and other organizations, plus Dr. Wyatt is also a published author on Dental town. Follow Dr. Wyatt on Twitter @DrWilliamWyatt.
Minor imperfections like cracks and chips can detract from the beauty of your smile, leaving…
While metal braces have long been a traditional choice for straightening teeth, adults seeking a…
At Flower Mound Dental in Flower Mound, Texas, we understand that the thought of dental…
Your teeth are constantly exposed to bacteria in your mouth, which can come from food,…
If you’ve recently lost one or more teeth, you’re probably wondering how to replace them.…
At Flower Mound Dental: Dr. William E. Wyatt, Jr., we like to welcome patients to…