If you’re looking for an effective way to improve your smile, you might think that whitening your teeth at home is a great place to start.
There are so many items from which to pick when it comes to using at-home or over-the-counter whitening products. Between whitening strips, specialty toothpaste mouthwashes, and at-home DIY remedies, there’s a lot to take in as you walk down the dental hygiene aisle at the grocery store. But how do you know what you should use? Or if you should use any of them at all? Here’s our professional opinion on the matter.
Teeth Whitening Products, Are They All The Same?
Teeth whitening products won’t all deliver the same results; some are more powerful than others, while others might show little to no results. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwashes are safe to use, but they are not nearly as effective as other topical products. These aren’t necessarily bad, and most of the time won’t cause any sensitivity, so if you choose a whitening toothpaste and mouthwash, just select one with an ADA Seal of Acceptance.
As for whitening your teeth with whitening strips and over-the-counter solutions in trays, these products might whiten the surface stains on your teeth but can cause significant sensitivity. Another thing to consider is that while the results are noticeable, they won’t last very long without using these products consistently.
The last option for at-home teeth whitening is copious amounts of at-home solutions. Some might involve hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, vinegar, activated charcoal, baking soda, and so many other things that people on the internet will claim to whiten your teeth naturally. And while you might find some (but not all) of these ingredients in dental products, it doesn’t mean they are safe to use by themselves. There is a fine line between using too much and too little with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda products. Too much will cause sensitivity and loss of enamel, while too little will give you no results.
What Should I Do Instead?
As dental professionals, we know that while some at-home whitening products can work, the best results come through professional teeth whitening options offered at your dentist’s office. Your dentist will perfectly balance the whitening solution to ensure no harm is done to your teeth and keep any sensitivity to a minimum while delivering worthwhile and long-lasting results. Additionally, most dentists will offer more than one treatment plan based on your search results.
The choice is clear: if you’re looking for safe and effective products for whitening your teeth, call your dentist today!
Oak Hills Dentistry in Layton, Utah
If you live in Layton, Utah, or a surrounding area, and you’re interested in whitening your teeth, give Oak Hills Dentistry a call. We offer multiple whitening treatments that you can complete within the office and at home. You’ll find that our treatments deliver the exact results you want, and, as always, every service we do is provided with a gentle touch that will keep you comfortable. Ready for a stunning smile? Contact us today to learn more about our whitening services and schedule an appointment!