Brighten Your Smile Safely: 5 Common Teeth Whitening Mistakes

Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center today for professional and safe teeth whitening solutions.

Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic treatment. In fact, in 2020 alone, 37 million people were using teeth whiteners. However, with so many teeth whitening techniques, it’s easy to get confused about the best one to settle for. After all, even $5 teeth-whitening strips promise sparkling teeth, leaving many confused about why they would spend hundreds of dollars for in-office teeth whitening.

However, certain mistakes while whitening teeth could do more harm than good, so you should always leave it to the pros. Not sure what we are talking about? Here are five common mistakes to avoid while whitening your teeth.

1. Failing to Consult Your Dentist

Being overly frugal with your teeth whitening might harm your dental health in the long run. Sure, the cheap whitening products in your local store may get the job done. However, they only offer temporary results. Some of them may damage your teeth and gums, making them overly sensitive. You can receive professional advice on safely whitening your teeth within your budget by consulting the dentist.

2. Using Tooth Whitening Paste Everyday

Teeth whitening paste delivers almost instant results, but there’s a caveat. Consistently using teeth whitening paste gradually erodes and weakens the enamel, causing sensitivity. It may also cause gum recession, damaging your roots’ surface and making your gums more vulnerable to bacterial infection.

3. Failing to Brush and Floss Your Teeth Before Whitening

It’s vital to brush and floss your teeth before teeth whitening, regardless of the technique. If you don’t, the plaque and debris might compromise the effectiveness of the teeth-whitening agent, leaving you with discolored spots. To apply the whitening agent, you brush and floss your teeth before whitening for a clean, smooth surface.

4. Whitening Your Teeth Only Once

Although professional teeth whitening lasts longer, it doesn’t last forever. You’ll need to schedule follow-up appointments every two to three years. Meanwhile, steer clear of highly-pigmented foods and drinks and maintain proper oral hygiene to maintain your white teeth for longer.

5. Using Acidic Substances to Whiten Your Teeth

The internet is rife with homemade teeth-whitening solutions, usually involving acidic substances like apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. These substances whiten your teeth but also erode the enamel. Continued use of acidic substances to whiten your teeth increases tooth sensitivity and increases the teeth’s vulnerability to dental decay.

Teeth Whitening Done Right

You can get perfectly white teeth without compromising your dental health by avoiding these mistakes. A dentist will help you determine the best technique for whitening your teeth. They’ll also assess your suitability for in-office teeth whitening and address underlying dental conditions before scheduling your teeth whitening procedure.

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Call (314) 862-7844
Updated: October 24, 2023

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