One of the easiest approaches to help your smile look better is by whitening your teeth. Luckily, getting whiter teeth is easier than it was thirty years ago. Still, it doesn't always mean that whitening treatments are safe just because they are done at home. Some are pretty dangerous, indeed. Here are some details on the top 5 most regularly occurring teeth whitening mistakes and how to avoid them to prevent long-term damage to your oral health:
Whitening trays over-the-counter
Plastic trays loaded with a whitening gel are one of the most widely utilized over-the-counter whitening methods available currently. These trays are then placed on the teeth for a specified period of time and repeated so often to get the expected results. One common mistake people make with this approach is not using the right size trays. Usually one-size-fits-all, most kits mean the trays do not fit very nicely. Inappropriate fitting whitening trays can allow the whitening gel to leak, therefore compromising the therapy's effectiveness and worsening gum irritation. It is advisable, thus, to have your dentist make your whitening trays from a dental impression of your mouth. Your trays will therefore be more suited and efficient.
Overusing White Strips
Whitening strips are another commonly used over-the-counter whitening method whereby tiny strips with whitening gel adhere to the surface of the teeth. Like whitening trays, the strips are placed in place for a prescribed period of time and repeated as indicated. One common mistake people make with this method is either using the strips too frequently in an attempt to improve results or leaving them on too long. Unfortunately, the usage of whitening strips does not increase their strength. Instead, it just weakens the enamel and causes tooth discomfort. These elements imply that one should just follow directions on applying whitening strips.
Using acidic liquids a toothbrush, scoop from half a lemon and baking soda.
One sometimes-used do-it-yourself whitening agent is vinegar or lemon juice. Using vinegar or lemon juice as a whitener is a mistake even though both can remove stains from teeth surfaces. This is true because strong acids in vinegar and lemon juice break down the mineral structure of dental enamel. The strong acids really erode the surface of your teeth, therefore removing both the stains and your enamel. This should be avoided entirely as it can lead to many problems down the road.
Brushing in baking soda
Another sometimes-used home whitening method is brushing with baking soda. Baking soda is another substance supposed to remove surface stains and whiten teeth. But especially in frequent use, baking soda is quite abrasive and can damage tooth enamel. It is advisable to use a whitening toothpaste with baking soda instead of brushing with baking soda by itself.
Making Use of Common Items
One last do-it-yourself whitening technique suggests teeth should be whitened using household materials like bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Of all the whitening mistakes one may make, this is by far the most harmful. Apart from detrimental effects on your oral condition, using these products may adversely impair your general health. Never whiten teeth with household products.