DIY teeth whitening tips and tricks have been passed around for years. And now, with the help of social media, they seem to be growing in popularity. Since very few people have a naturally bright white smile, yet everyone wants one - more and more people are giving DIY teeth whitening a try.

Whether it is to save money or time - or just to try something simple or natural - these whitening methods can come with some serious risks. 

What is DIY Teeth Whitening? 

For those looking for fast, professional results that get teeth many shades whiter in one visit, your dentist provides professional teeth whitening treatments. Still, many forgo this option and search for DIY methods. A quick search on the internet and you will see that people have tried many things that they believe to be the best for whitening teeth, including: 

• Lemon juice
• Oil pulling
• Activated charcoal
• Peroxide mixed with baking soda
• At-home, over-the-counter, teeth whitening kits

Unfortunately, they all come with a bit of risk.

Risks Associated with DIY Teeth Whitening

Before you rush out to grab some coconut oil for oil pulling or slice up that lemon, let’s talk about the dangers involved in these so-called teeth-whitening methods. 

Lemon juice. Lemons are highly acidic. And while putting lemon juice in your hair has been known to lighten it, putting it on your teeth can cause irreversible enamel damage. 

Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. You can go to the oral healthcare aisle in just about any store that has one and you will find toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash - and teeth whitening treatments. Although they may not give you the results you are looking for as quickly as you’d like, these are effective in their own way. The risk? They can lead to spotty, uneven whitening, as well as leave gums irritated and teeth sensitive. 

Activated charcoal. Activated charcoal may be good at removing stains, but it is much too abrasive. As a result, it can actually be doing more harm than good. 

Oil-Pulling. There are no serious dangers associated with oil pulling except that it doesn’t have any evidence supporting its claim to whiten teeth. If done regularly, it can lead to some jaw soreness. And, if swallowed, the oil used can cause an upset stomach. 

Peroxide mixed with baking soda. It makes sense to use this as peroxide is known to act as a whitening agent. However, placing this mixture on your teeth can damage the enamel and cause a great amount of irritation with the gums. 

The Professional Teeth Whitening Difference

The best thing you can do to ensure the safety of your oral health while achieving noticeable whitening results is to visit your dentist. They offer in-office and at-home professional teeth whitening treatments that are both safe and highly effective. 

These products often use a stronger bleaching agent than you would find in the over-the-counter options. But, because they are used under the supervision of a dental professional, they are much safer with much less risk. 

Professional Teeth Whitening in Albuquerque

If you are interested in teeth whitening treatments, stay away from DIY treatments and opt for professional whitening instead. To learn more, the dental team at Davis, Gribble, Hollowwa Dental can help. 
Contact us today at 505-898-1976. Or, request an appointment online. 

Although most people do not have a smile full of pearly whites, they do have the option of a teeth whitening treatment. This will allow many stains and discolorations to be easily removed from the teeth, returning them to a beautiful, bright shade of white. 

Most patients find themselves confused about which type of treatment they should choose to get the best results. Teeth whitening at home? Teeth whitening in the dentist’s office? 

Let’s take a look at both so you can opt for the one that is right for you. 

What Causes Stained and Discolored Teeth? 

No one is born with a stained tooth. Instead, these stains are caused by many factors that we may or may not be able to control. For instance, the most common reasons for stained or discolored teeth include: 

• Poor dental hygiene
• Age
• Genetics
• Certain illnesses, including celiac disease, liver disease, eating disorders, etc. 
• Certain medications, including chemo, radiation, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, antihistamines, and more. 
• Foods such as those that are brightly colored like tomatoes, beets, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, etc. 
• Beverages such as coffee, red wine, tea, soda, certain juices, etc. 
• Tobacco use, both chewing and smoking
• Dental trauma

The Impact of Teeth Whitening

There are many advantages that you will enjoy when you invest in professional teeth whitening. 

• Enhanced smile - and improved overall appearance
• A boost in confidence
• Better oral health
• Fast, reliable results

Simply put, when you feel good about your smile you are more willing to show it. And this may even increase your quality of life. 

At-Home Teeth Whitening

An at-home teeth whitening treatment from your dentist will often require an office visit to set up your personalized mouth guard. See, these treatments use a strong whitening agent known as carbide peroxide and, to get the most effective and even results, you will need something to hold the gel in place against your teeth. 

It should be noted that at-home teeth whitening is done under the care of a dental professional, but not in the presence of one. Therefore, they are not as strong as in-office treatments, requiring anywhere from hours to weeks to see the results you are looking for. This does not make this type of treatment less effective, but it does take longer. 

Teeth Whitening in the Dentist’s Office

Teeth whitening in your dentist’s office is the ideal option for those who are looking for fast results they can count on. Under the supervision of a dental professional, a barrier is used to protect the gums while the whitening agent is applied to the teeth. Then, a special light is used to give the treatment a kickstart. 

In-office teeth whitening is often completed in one visit - with remarkable results. 

Best Option For Teeth Whitening? 

Both in-office and at-home professional whitening treatments work well and give you a whiter smile. Deciding which is best for you is something to discuss with your dentist. 

Teeth Whitening at Davis Gribble Hollowwa Dental

At Davis Gribble Hollowwa Dental, we prefer to give our patients options - even when it comes to teeth whitening treatments. Both at-home and in-office teeth whitening options are available and can be highly effective when used under the care and direction of our office. We do everything we can to ensure that you have a smile you feel good about. 
To learn more or to get started, contact us today at 505-898-1976. Or, request an appointment online.