White teeth are often associated with a healthy smile. Everyone wants white teeth, but it can sometimes be hard to achieve that goal in a healthy way.
Recently, social media has been filled with ways to whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home. However, many of these teeth whitening options are not safe and can do significant damage to your mouth.
What Teeth Whitening Trends Damage Your Teeth?
Many teeth whitening trends are circulating on social media that can do more harm than good.
1. Brushing With Baking Soda
Many people have realized that baking soda is a common ingredient in whitening toothpaste. While baking soda may be okay in small amounts in toothpaste, brushing with strictly baking soda can damage your teeth. Baking soda has an abrasive texture that can wear down your enamel.
Once you lose enamel, there is no way to get it back.
2. Brushing With Strawberry or Lemon Juice
Many individuals on social media have begun brushing their teeth with lemon or strawberry juice in hopes of whitening their teeth naturally. However, these fruits are acidic and can wear away your enamel. Lemon juice, in particular, can cause your teeth to lose calcium and become weak. Weak teeth are more prone to tooth decay and other oral health issues.
3. Using Hydrogen Peroxide as a Mouthwash
Many people believe that hydrogen peroxide can be used as a mouthwash to help whiten teeth. However, hydrogen peroxide, when misused, can be damaging to the teeth and gums. Hydrogen peroxide should only be used in the mouth while under direct instructions from your dentist.
What Causes Stained Teeth?
Teeth are naturally a little yellow. However, factors that contribute to the staining of teeth include:
- Coffee
- Wine
- Fruit juice
- Dark sodas
- Smoking
How Can I Safely Whiten My Teeth?
Having white teeth and a smile that makes you confident can increase your overall happiness. People who are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth are less likely to smile and fully enjoy life.
Just because the teeth whitening trends you find on social media may be damaging to your teeth, it does not mean that there are no safe ways to achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Sands offers ZOOM! Teeth Whitening to whiten his patients’ teeth safely in his office.
How Does ZOOM! Teeth Whitening Work?
ZOOM! Teeth Whitening is a whitening agent that is applied to the front of your teeth. Laser light is then placed over your teeth for 15 minutes. The process is then repeated four times. This treatment provides quick, safe, and lasting results for men and women over 13 years old.
Interested in Learning More About ZOOM! Teeth Whitening?
If you are interested in learning more about ZOOM! Teeth Whitening or any other cosmetic dentistry needs, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin Sands by calling (310) 273-0111 or filling out our online contact form.