It’s likely that at some point in your life, you’ve considered teeth whitening, especially if you’re going after a Hollywood smile. Some people like whitening their teeth for special occasions or frequently whiten their teeth to keep a bright, sparkling smile at all times. But how safe is whitening? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the topic of whitening teeth and how safe it actually is.
What Stains Teeth in the First Place?
Before taking a deep dive, let’s talk about what might be the reason you’re interested in whitening your teeth. While aging can naturally cause some discoloration of your teeth, there are many ways that our teeth can develop exterior stains. The following are all guilty suspects when it comes to teeth discoloration:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red Wine
- Foods with Heavy Dyes
- Tobacco Use
Many whitening procedures and products target external stains that have been left on your teeth. If you find that you don’t consume these products regularly and are taking care of your teeth but are still experiencing discolored teeth, see a dentist as there could be problems within the teeth or gums that only a dentist can identify and treat.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Products
You see them at the grocery store, and you see half a dozen television commercials for them every day. Products designed to whiten your teeth at home have never been so popular. While the typical whitening toothpaste or mouthwash is perfectly normal for use on a day-to-day basis, we try to warn against at-home teeth bleaching strips and trays without consulting a dentist first. You’ll find that products that claim “7 days to whiter teeth” can leave you with a lot of tooth sensitivity. We’re also wary of DIY whitening solutions, as many of these recipes can wear away some of your enamel. While certain at-home whitening products are both practical and safe, we suggest speaking to a dental professional before starting any home-based regimens.
Teeth Whitening at a Dentist’s Office
If you visit a dentist to talk about whitening your teeth, you’d be surprised to know that there are two options for teeth whitening under a dentist’s guidance. One option is to do an in-office system where your whitening specialist will use a topical gel combined with a high-powered light to speed up the process. The other option is to have your dentist create custom-made teeth trays that you can put the prescribed bleaching gel into and sleep in overnight for a period of time. Both options have been proven effective and have been approved by the American Dental Association.
So, Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Overall, the answer is yes! Whitening your teeth is a safe and effective way to get the smile you’ve always wanted. We just advise seeing your dentist for their professional opinion and recommendations before starting any whitening system.
Visit Oak Hills Dentistry for Your Teeth Whitening Needs
If you’re looking for the best teeth whitening options in Layton, Utah, look no further than Oak Hills Dentistry! We have two safe and effective options for whitening teeth that many of our patients love! Our dentists are eager to help you on your journey to finding the perfect smile. Contact us today to learn more about our services and book an appointment.