Myth: Teeth whitening ruins your enamel
* Fact: Professional teeth whitening products are designed to be safe and do not remove or destroy enamel. While some temporary tooth sensitivity may occur due to dehydration, it typically subsides on its own.
Myth: Natural remedies like lemon juice or charcoal whitens teeth
* Fact: Lemon juice is highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel. Activated charcoal is too abrasive and can wear down enamel, which might expose the yellowish dentin underneath, making teeth appear darker, as well as irritating your gums when used
Myth: Over-the-counter products work just as well as professional treatments
* Fact: Professional in-office whitening is faster, more effective, and uses higher-strength whitening agents that aren’t available over the counter. Store-bought kits have lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and take longer to work.
Myth: Whitening is permanent
* Fact: Teeth whitening is not a one-time fix. Results are temporary, and the duration depends on lifestyle factors such as coffee, tea, or tobacco consumption as well as the initial colour of the teeth. It might require touch ups to sustain the results when needed, like every 6-12 months
Myth: All stains are removed the same way
* Fact: Not all discoloration responds to whitening. Extrinsic stains (on the surface) respond well, but intrinsic stains (inside the tooth) for example stains from use of antibiotics as a child, may require different, more intensive treatment. All whitening products are also not the same (varies by type, concentration etc)
Myth: If it hurts, it’s working
* Fact: Whitening should not be painful. Pain indicates that the treatment might be too strong or that you have underlying, untreated dental issues like cavities. But some level of sensitivity is normal and to be expected, and will subside within a day or two
Myth: Oil pulling whitens teeth
* Fact: There is no scientific evidence that practices like oil pulling with coconut oil can whiten teeth, but daily brushing with an electric toothbrush as well as flossing will help keep your smile clean and shiny.
