In our highly digital world, we are more often than not happy with the ease and the possibility of cheap stuff than with anything else. As a result of DIY teeth whitening products, the popularity of this method has been going through the roof. The theme of pure, white teeth has always been a symbol of a perfect smile and so lots of people are willing to have a share of this aesthetic happiness. Contrary to what many people say about the tools and techniques like DIY teeth whitening, which are cost-effective and practical, they can cause problems with your oral health if you do not do it properly. This article tries to convince the audience of the serious risks linked with such procedures and then, it emphasizes the need for the skillful involvement of a qualified expert, like an Ottawa dentist, for a cleaner and safer technique.
What Is DIY Teeth Whitening?
Home whitening kits are products that are placed in the local market and are used without the supervision of the professional in order to whiten teeth. They are found in different types, for example:
- The whitening strips are the first ones on the list, which are thin and flexible strips with a coating of the whitening gel on the surface.
- Whitening toothpaste has a sort of abrasive or weak whitening agent among the ingredients of it.
- Bleaching gels and trays come in prefilled or custom trays that are all used for applying the bleaching agents to the teeth.
- The teeth whitening pen is a portable device that is used for applying the active ingredient directly to the tooth.
- Natural Remedies such as baking soda, charcoal, and lemon juice are common DIY choices.
Manufacturers of these products promise customers that they will see a change even by using them for a few days while in fact, the quality of the products and safety depends on the amount of the active ingredients and also the health condition of the user.
Harmful Effects of DIY Teeth Whitening
Erosion of the Enamel
The first point that may cause complications of DIY teeth whitening is the chances of enamel erosion. Several solutions contain heavy bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that are likely to alter the enamel which is the protective cover of the teeth. Enamel is irreplaceable after it gets damaged, and consequently, teeth become less sturdy and innate to decay.
Sensitivity of the Teeth
Additionally, DIY whitening products may cause the increased sensation of tooth sensitivity after usage. The bleaching agents might be directly penetrating the enamel and/or dentin of the tooth and then the nerves of the tooth could get irritated. Sensitivity can be felt as an unease during the consumption of the hot, cold, and sweet food and drink causing daily life to be less bearable.
Gum Irritatio
Too much of the aforementioned chemicals used in the whitening products can lead to the soft tissues of the mouth like gums irritations that appear if the longer the contact with the chemicals is. Moreover, among the others, the inflamed, red and at times, even chemicals can be the results of the strips and overusing or using the trays in the wrong way.
Irregular Whitening
DIY sets might not produce even results most of the time. The bleaching agents may not be able to reach the parts of the teeth that have been left dirty especially, these parts that are in the crevices and in between the teeth. Consequently, you may end up with a fragmented smile as a result, a different vision from what you had in mind for the process.
Damage to Dental Work
These are the products that do not include dental restorations in the list of whitening parts. Therefore, natural teeth may be different in color than those that are restored, thus leaving a disparate effect.
Overuse and Addiction
The main reason behind the overuse of whitening products is a strong desire to have a perfectly bright smile, this is killing thousands of people due to any bad effects of the methods. Such patients may go as far as to damage their oral cavities with “bleachorexia,” a grave case of the disease.
Why Professional Teeth Whitening is Safer
Personalized Treatment Plans
The first step in any treatment is having a dentist perform an oral exam who then can recommend many options that best suit the patient’s needs if necessary. They make sure the whole procedure is absolutely safe, and that reactions to treatment are correctly identified so teeth and gums are not damaged.
Higher Quality Products
Dentists normally use such gels for the whitening process that not only make your teeth brighter but also never cause any damage to them. For instance, one of these products is designed to be less irritating and to guarantee the same results for all new clients.
The Supervision of a Professional
Professional teeth whitening takes place with the dentist watching closely, who has far-reaching skills in the domain. These professionals are certified to manage the effective application of bleaching agents without putting in danger the neighboring areas such as the gums.
Long-Term Results
In most cases, experts can perform the treatment that lasts exactly as the course would be, and that’s nothing similar to short-time or quick solutions, attempted by individual methods.
Suggestions for Safer Teeth Whitening
Before taking the first step of any treatment, you need to do some checks like the following ones that are invaluable for safe and successful teeth whitening results:
- Get a Dental Checkup: The dentist’s consultation should not be only about obtaining whitening but also it must be a thorough inspection of the mouth for the detection of any (if there are) the cavities, gum disease, or other injurious problems.
- Adhere to the Instructions: In case any over-the-counter products are being used, it is absolutely obligatory to respect the manufacturer’s rules precisely, for these are the only sure way to avoid misuse.
- Stay Off Rough DIY Solutions: Home remedies for teeth bleaching such as baking soda and charcoal may appear safe, but in fact, they can act as an abrasive to the enamel.
- Use Caution: Bleaching should not take place every day because of increased discomfort and enamel damage due to wear and tear.
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Brushing and flossing habitually would help you eliminate the potential creation of stains on your teeth.
- Watch Your Diet: Refrain from foods and drinks infamous for staining teeth like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries.
Alternatives to DIY Teeth Whitening
You may decide on the following as alternatives to using or treating teeth with the homemade method:
- At the Dentist’s Office: Besides, it is currently the fastest and safest procedure for executing teeth whitening.
- Kits from Dentists Provided for You: With these kits, you are given the choice either to use them at home with or without the assistance of an appropriate dentist.
- Fresh Whitening Foods: Even otherwise, organic food is the best solution to the problem. Use some naturally abrasive fruits and vegetables like celery and apples, which will help naturally clean and whiten your teeth.
Conclusion
The accessibility and cost-effectiveness of the DIY teeth whitening methods may mislead but, in one way or another, they come with a lot of oral hazards that far overweigh the pros. The ordinary dental health impairments from these products may even start from disbalance, sensitivity, and/or gum issues. To get the best of the safe and efficient options that succeed teeth whitening, it is highly recommended to consult a dentist in ottawa, who can direct you on the proper procedure and also give you choices for individualized treatments. A sharp smile that you will love is not the only way professional care to bring life to you but it also volunteers to your health by protecting your mouth from any other problems.