DIY Teeth Whitening: What Your Dentist Wishes You Knew

Who doesn’t want a dazzling smile? With countless DIY teeth whitening kits available locally and online, it’s tempting to skip the dentist. However, before you dive into a do-it-yourself whitening product, there are a few things your dentist wants you to know! Continue reading to learn about the risks that come with DIY whitening.

Over-Whitening Your Teeth

One of the biggest dangers of store-bought whitening products is the risk of over-whitening your enamel. Without a dentist’s supervision, it’s easy to misuse them, applying too much whitening agent or leaving it on for too long. Over-whitening can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and even permanent damage to your enamel. Your teeth might end up whiter, but also weaker than before!

Harmful or Dubious Teeth Whitening Ingredients

Another concern with DIY whitening kits is the potential for harmful ingredients. Not all whitening products are created equal, and some can contain chemicals in concentrations that are too harsh for your mouth. In some cases, these products have been known to cause chemical burns or lead to severe tooth sensitivity. Without the guidance of a professional, you may be exposing your mouth to unnecessary risks.

Uneven Results Across Your Smile

Store-bought whitening can work, but their application needs to be nearly perfect. Otherwise, you’ll likely see uneven whitening, with some teeth appearing brighter than others. This is especially true if you have dental restorations like crowns or veneers, which don’t respond to whitening agents the same way natural teeth do. The result? A patchy, mismatched smile that’s far from what you wanted!

Why You Should See a Professional for Teeth Whitening

While DIY whitening might seem like a convenient solution, the risks often outweigh the benefits. Professional whitening treatments offer several advantages:

• Customized Treatment: Your dentist can customize your whitening to fit your specific needs, ensuring even, consistent results without damaging your teeth.
• Safe Ingredients: Dentists use whitening agents that are safe and effective, minimizing the risk of side effects like tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
• Supervised Care: With professional whitening, you have the added benefit of a dentist’s supervision, ensuring that the treatment is applied correctly and that your teeth remain healthy throughout the process.

At the end of the day, your smile is worth protecting. While DIY teeth whitening might save you some money upfront, the potential risks and long-term damage can end up costing you much more in the long run. For a brighter, safer smile, trust your dentist to guide you through the whitening process!

About the Author

If you want a brilliant smile without the risk of side effects, Dr. Mark Stapleton offers professional teeth whitening treatments. He’s a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry with a doctorate from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Call (952) 448-2868 to book a whitening treatment at White Oak Dental or visit our website to see a full menu of other services we offer.