Obtaining a bright, beautiful smile can seem overwhelming, especially for those that suffer from severe tooth discoloration from years of tobacco use or from consuming products that stain the teeth- like coffee or wine. That is why over-the-counter at-home whitening products are so tempting. They promise to remove the decades of tooth stains while only charging a fraction of what the professionals charge. Do you know that saying ‘if it’s too good to be true, it probably is’? Well, we don’t want to ruin the rest of the blog for you, so read on.
Faulty Promises
At-home whitening products that are purchased from the drugstore promise to give you whiter teeth ‘within days’. Whether from whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, tray, or even whitening lights, these products have been popular for over two decades because of the ‘get white teeth fast’ scheme. While we don’t dismiss that the products do in fact give you whiter teeth, there are some dangerous issues we want to point out.
Your Enamel
Your enamel is the hardest tissue in your body. It is a thin coat that protects the tooth from bacteria, infection, and disease. The worst part, however, is that once your enamel is gone – there is no getting it back. Not even the best dentists can create new enamel for you. That is why it is so important to protect it with good dental hygiene and by using safe products. Over-the-counter whitening products contain harsh chemicals that, while removing the stains, eat away the enamel of your teeth. So, you get whiter teeth in just a few days – but at what cost?
Chemical Storm
The same chemicals that remove the stains and eat away the enamel of your teeth in these at-home whitening products also do damage to your internal organs when ingested. Because you are using these toothpaste products, mouthwashes, or gels in your mouth, there is a high chance that you will eventually swallow some. These chemicals have been known to destroy the stomach lining and lead to further GI issues like disease and cancers.
Get the Confidence Without the Danger
Having a confident smile is very important, we agree. In fact, studies have shown that people who smile confidently are more likely to be offered exciting job opportunities or promotions, have a lower rate of divorce and are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. Our team at Woodmen Dental Group wants to help you obtain this confidence – safely!
We offer two excellent whitening options in our clinic to help you achieve your desired results. Both options are safe for your enamel, safe for your body, and can give you results in just one session! Schedule an appointment with us today and let’s get you on your way to a whiter, brighter smile.