The Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening: Why You Should Leave It to the Professionals - Reno Dental Associates (2024)

From at-home bleaching kits to charcoal toothpaste, these products promise quick and easy results without the need for a visit to the dentist. Teeth whitening often uses bleaching solutions to get rid of stains and discoloration from teeth. Despite the fact that many DIY goods make safety and effectiveness claims, they often cause more harm than benefit.

The Dangers of At-Home Kits

Many at-home kits contain high levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth and lead to sensitivity and pain. It can be tricky to choose the correct bleaching agent strength and application duration without the help of a dentist.

Many people are also tempted to try natural teeth-whitening solutions like lemon juice or baking soda. While baking soda might be too abrasive and destroy your enamel, lemon juice is a strong acid that can do the same. Furthermore, there is no way to guarantee that natural therapies won’t be harmful because they are frequently neither regulated nor subject to safety testing.

Some people may have underlying dental issues that need to be addressed before undergoing any whitening treatments. A qualified Reno cosmetic dentist will be able to assess your dental health and determine if teeth whitening is a safe and appropriate option for you. Additionally, we can offer treatments that are specially designed to meet your needs and accomplish your objectives, ensuring that you get the greatest outcomes while maintaining your dental health.

Another risk of DIY teeth whitening is the potential for uneven results. Over-the-counter products are designed for the general population and do not take into account individual differences in tooth shade and sensitivity. In addition to these risks, DIY teeth whitening can also lead to gum irritation, chemical burns, and other complications. These problems can be exacerbated if you already have existing dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, or exposed tooth roots.

Professional Teeth Whitening Options

The Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening: Why You Should Leave It to the Professionals - Reno Dental Associates (1)

If you are considering teeth whitening in Reno, it’s important to choose a reputable dental practice that offers professional teeth whitening services.

One such practice is Reno Dental Associates, a leading dentistry practice in the Reno area. To guarantee that our patients receive the best results possible, our team of professional dentists exclusively uses cutting-edge whitening methods and supplies. We have vast experience in teeth whitening in Reno. To select the best course of treatment, our cosmetic dentist in Reno will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums.

At Reno Dental Associates, we understand that a beautiful smile is an important part of your overall health and wellbeing. We offer a variety of dental services, from routine care to aesthetic operations, to make sure that our clients get the attention they require to maintain healthy and attractive mouths.

While DIY teeth whitening products may seem like an attractive and affordable option, the potential risks and complications far outweigh any potential benefits. For safe, effective teeth whitening in Reno, it’s important to seek treatment from a licensed dentist who has the training and experience needed to provide quality care. We can assist you whether you want to brighten your smile for a special occasion or simply want to feel more assured about how you look. You may achieve the results you want with professional teeth whitening without affecting your oral health.

Schedule a Teeth Whitening Appointment Today!

The Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening: Why You Should Leave It to the Professionals - Reno Dental Associates (2024)

FAQs

The Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening: Why You Should Leave It to the Professionals - Reno Dental Associates? ›

The Dangers of At-Home Kits

Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›

Tooth and gum sensitivity and pain

Store-bought products may contain abrasive substances like hydrogen peroxide, which can be effective if used minimally, but in large doses can cause erosion of teeth's enamel and shrinkage of the gums.

Is DIY teeth whitening safe? ›

At home teeth whitening procedures are generally safe for use; however, they do pose some adverse effects if they are not judiciously or cautiously used. A long-term and unwarranted use of teeth whitening products can severely affect dental health.

Do home teeth whitening kits damage teeth? ›

Using too much bleaching products can permanently damage tooth enamel, cause chemical burns, damage gums and even cause oral infections.

Is it bad to get your teeth professionally whitened? ›

Professional teeth whitening is generally safer than DIY methods or natural remedies, and precautions should be taken before and after treatment. If you have sensitive teeth, desensitizing gels or low-concentration products may be recommended.

Who shouldn't get their teeth whitened? ›

People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide. Individuals with sensitive teeth. Those who seek unrealistic or blinding-white results.

What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›

Overuse or misuse of teeth-whitening products can cause sensitivity, gum irritation, and other side effects. Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

Is it better to whiten your teeth at the dentist or DIY? ›

Choosing a non-professional teeth whitening treatment can carry a higher risk of adverse effects, including damage to your teeth and gums, and even a worsening of your discoloration. By far, the safest and most effective option is to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist.

Does swishing hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth? ›

A simple hydrogen peroxide mouthwash may help remove mild stains. However, a person should avoid leaving hydrogen peroxide solutions on their teeth for extended periods. For people who have darker stains, stronger whitening options are available both over the counter and from a dentist.

Does Vicks VapoRub whiten teeth? ›

Vicks VapoRub is toxic to consume and should not be used for teeth whitening.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

Can old yellow teeth be whitened? ›

It's natural for teeth to appear darker as they age, but a bleaching product with hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide can help turn back the clock – and a whitening toothpaste is an easy way to get a jump-start.

Do most celebrities get their teeth whitened? ›

Most celebrities opt for regular teeth whitening treatments or veneers. Below you will find more information about which one is right for you.

How to whiten yellow teeth naturally? ›

The following strategies may help whiten teeth:
  1. Making dietary changes. Eliminating foods that mark the teeth can prevent further staining. ...
  2. Trying oil pulling. ...
  3. Brushing with baking soda. ...
  4. Using hydrogen peroxide. ...
  5. Whitening with fruit. ...
  6. Chewing high fiber foods.

Can teeth look worse after whitening? ›

In rare cases, the white patches or streaks can remain prominent and don't go away. If this happens, then there could be another issue at play, like thinning tooth enamel, which would mean the streaks were already present in the tooth enamel before the treatment, and whitening has just made them more noticeable.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Allyn Kozey

Last Updated:

Views: 5530

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Allyn Kozey

Birthday: 1993-12-21

Address: Suite 454 40343 Larson Union, Port Melia, TX 16164

Phone: +2456904400762

Job: Investor Administrator

Hobby: Sketching, Puzzles, Pet, Mountaineering, Skydiving, Dowsing, Sports

Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.