A good smile says a lot about its owner. Having the confidence to smile without feeling self-conscious is an experience everyone should be able to enjoy. Anxiety involving imperfect teeth plagues a lot of people and gets in the way of showing your true self.
Did you know that 93% of Americans have tried over-the-counter teeth whitening kits? At some point or other most people feel their teeth could use a little attention. After all, teeth live a hard life and begin to bear the evidence after a while.
If you’ve been scrutinizing the hue of your teeth and found it wanting, you might be wondering about trying an over-the-counter kit yourself. Is teeth whitening safe, though? Read on to find out more!
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Before we get into details, you’ll be pleased to hear that yes, you can whiten your teeth safely. There are some caveats to keep in mind, however. It all depends on the teeth whitening methods you choose and how carefully you adhere to their instructions.
As you might imagine, ignoring instructions or not doing your best to follow them can lead to a variety of uncomfortable results. The chemicals involved in most at-home teeth whitening kits aren’t dangerous, but they’re not completely innocuous either. The majority of the danger exists outside of the indicated instructions, so always do your best to take them seriously.
At home teeth whitening usually consists of a hydrogen-peroxide-based gel and its application directly to your teeth. You might have heard of hydrogen peroxide already for its uses around the house as a general-purpose cleaner, or while having your hair bleached, it’s the same stuff! In low concentrations, it’s a safe and reliable way to bleach stains and works fabulously on our teeth as well.
Teeth Whitening Products and Safety
While the percentage of hydrogen peroxide is relatively low in teeth-whitening gels, damage can still be done to your teeth during prolonged contact. It’s not uncommon for people to experience a marked increase in dental sensitivity, even after following instructions to the letter. The bleaching process affects everything it comes into contact with, not just unsightly stains.
Our teeth are ever so slightly porous. The teeth-whitening reaction is the product of the hydrogen peroxide passing into our teeth and breaking down complex molecules. The weak acidic properties of hydrogen peroxide oxidize staining molecules within our teeth, stealing the electrons that hold them together so they fall apart.
At an atomic level, the process is quite harsh, which leads us to reiterate the importance of following the instructions to the letter. Overuse is known to damage teeth, sometimes permanently. White teeth don’t necessarily indicate health, just as yellow teeth can be perfectly healthy!
Professional Teeth Whitening
Healthy beautiful teeth are something some people spend years of their lives in dedication to. It’ll come as no surprise that the professionals know how to give you the results you’re looking for, and safely. While teeth whitening kits are relatively cheap and foolproof, they’re a considerable step down from the care and attention of a real dentist.
The process of at-home teeth whitening is easy to get wrong, despite being simple enough. Professional dentists have a deep and far-reaching understanding of all things related to oral health and hygiene. Would you rather put your faith in your ability and a box full of chemicals, or someone who knows teeth inside out?
Cosmetic dentistry requires knowledge and a sure hand to get right. In a world where dental bonding, teeth cleaning, application of veneers, and help with dentures are second nature, whitening is among the easier jobs of professionals. If we can trust our dentists to drill out our cavities and patch our teeth up, whitening ought not to be so scary!
Looking for a Dentist in Versailles?
If you’re looking for a Versailles dentist, we’re proud to offer a welcoming service for all your dental needs. Versailles family dentistry is here for you no matter your age or dental requirements. We offer a wide range of services from basic cleaning to fillings and veneers, whatever you need, we’re here to help!
Nobody likes going to the dentist, and we understand the prospect can be especially harrowing for some people. That’s why we’ve put particular effort into cultivating a comfortable atmosphere for all our patients. Each Versailles family dentist is friendly, amenable, and ready to guide you through the process, whatever it might be.
Finding a family dentist you can rely upon is one of those things that makes life a lot easier. Dental trouble is more or less inevitable and checkups are necessary to ensure your dental health stays in tip-top shape for years to come. Knowing exactly where to go when the need arises takes a lot of the anxiety out of the equation!
A Dentist Near Me
The search for a dental practice that feels just right can take a little while. It’s always best to trust your gut, especially when it comes to feeling comfortable in a vulnerable position like having your teeth worked on. We find the human touch is what makes all the difference, and we’re here to offer exactly that.
So, is teeth whitening safe in the end? If you’re still unsure about the process and would like to learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch! Wed love to hear from you and help to put your mind at ease!