The DIY Teeth Whitening Gamble and Why You Shouldn't Toss Your Coin Just Yet

Everybody wants their pearly whites to shine even brighter to help improve their smile. However, not everyone can afford the maintenance behind a professionally-managed teeth whitening, hence the increased need for at-home teeth whitening products.

These days, drug store teeth whitening kits such as whitening strips and toothpaste are the preferred cheaper teeth whitening alternative to going to the dentist. The results of the DIY whitening remedies are often short-lived and could end up being expensive in the end, especially if they damage the surface of your teeth. 

Hence, if you are on the fence about which method to use to achieve a brighter smile, here' s why you shouldn't toss a coin on the DIY option but should instead go for a tooth whitening procedure administered by your dentist. 

Risk of Damaging Your Teeth 

When used correctly, in-home remedies can achieve great results in whitening your teeth. However, they require prolonged use, and hence people may use them excessively to fast track the results. As such, teeth whitening strips, and other self-administered products, can lead to damaged teeth, toothache, mouth infection, and even nerve damage. 

Whitening kits and strips can also cause uneven colour and patchy teeth as they are unable to whiten the crevices between your teeth and the bleach may not spread evenly on your teeth. 

Risk of Increased Teeth Sensitivity and Damaged Enamel 

It goes without saying that all whitening products increase teeth sensitivity for the treatment period. However, over the counter whitening products that use hydrogen-peroxide are not tailored to individual needs or sensitivity levels, which can cause significant discomfort or increased sensitivity when administered at home. 

Also, continued use of at-home whitening agents can cause erosion of the tooth enamel, leading to weakened teeth and extreme pain if repeatedly used over time. Even worse, continued use of these products allows chemicals to seep into unfilled cavities or in cracked teeth and eventually into the root canal, which could lead to irreversible damage. 

Risk of Gum Irritation 

Do-it-yourself whitening kits contain abrasive ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide that lead to irritation when they come into contact with your gums.  

So what's the best option for you? Cheaper, over-the-counter teeth whitening products do not offer permanent results and tend to have more drawbacks than benefits. That said, the safest way to achieve a brighter smile is to talk to your dentist, and you can rest assured that you are in safe hands. 


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