If getting a whiter smile is your goal, there are many ways you can go about it. There are at-home treatments like whitening mouthwash and whitening strips, pens and trays, but even more popular than these are DIY whitening methods. What is so attractive to many about DIY methods is the price. However, the benefits of a professional treatment could outweigh the cost to your oral health you may suffer if you use DIY treatments.
One popular method, in particular, the application of a paste made from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Because this paste contains ingredients that are in most kinds of toothpaste and can be found in your home, it would seem that it is safe and easy to use. A risk of using this paste, however, is that if it is left on your teeth for more than a minute of if used to brush teeth, this paste can wear away at your enamel and cause. Unfortunately, as with many things, the easiest way is not always the best or the safest way.
Here at Trine Dental Group in Orland Park, Illinois, we strive to provide the best care possible so that you can not only be confident in the way your smile looks, but in your overall oral health. Our dentist, Dr. Christopher Pavletic, is familiar with the different types of whitening treatments out there and is here to help you choose the right one for you.
DIY teeth whitening can be effective in the short term, but it can have long-lasting negative effects on your oral health. Using activated charcoal is a trending method that is sweeping the nation. The problem with it, though, is that the ADA has not officially approved its effectiveness as a tooth whitener. It can be abrasive on the tooth enamel and the gums and can, therefore, have negative effects on your oral health that outweigh its cosmetic benefits.
If you have any more questions about teeth whitening, call at 708-448-2588 to schedule an appointment with one of the friendly members of our team. We are here to help you with all your oral health care needs and hope that you will investigate the risks of any DIY or at-home treatment before trying.