Do you wish for a bright, attractive smile? Whitening your teeth can help you achieve your dream smile. However, before undergoing the procedure, there are things you should know. For example, there are mistakes that, if you commit them, can sabotage your efforts and cause you to suffer various side effects. From neglecting proper oral hygiene to using incorrect whitening products, these mistakes can make your teeth look dull or worse than before whitening. This blog explores the different whitening errors you should be aware of so you avoid them to prevent side effects and realize the best outcome possible from your procedure.
Failing to Consult a Dental Professional Before Beginning Your Whitening Treatment
If you are considering whitening your teeth, consult your dentist first. Even though several over-the-counter (OVC) options are available, they might not be ideal for your personal needs. Your dentist can assist you in determining what treatment option will work perfectly for you. They will also ensure you avoid potential mistakes.
Failing to consult a dental professional before you start your whitening journey is a prevalent mistake that could result in severe problems. Whitening products comprise strong chemicals that can damage your gums and teeth if utilized incorrectly. A dental professional can assist you in using them effectively and safely.
If you use an OVC whitening kit, follow all the instructions carefully. Incorrect use can cause sensitivity, redness, and irritation. Should you have any of these side effects, immediately stop using the kit and consult your dentist.
Selecting Wrong Dental Whitening Products
As far as choosing teeth-whitening products is concerned, many options are available. Knowing which product is suitable for you can be challenging. These are some of the factors to look at when selecting whitening products:
- The active component. Generally, the active component in dental whitening products is carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the more effective ingredient, although it is also harsher on teeth. On the other hand, carbamide peroxide is gentle on teeth, yet it is not as effective.
- The concentration of the active component. A whitening product is more effective if the concentration of its active ingredient is higher. However, a higher concentration may also be harsher on teeth.
- The application method. There are different ways to apply whitening products, including trays, strips, and gels. Some application methods are more successful than others.
- Tooth sensitivity. If your teeth are already sensitive, you might have to select products with lower concentrations of the active ingredient. Or, choose a product specifically made for individuals with tooth sensitivity.
- Your budget. Dental whitening products vary in price. When selecting a product, you want to factor in your budget.
Not Following Directions Carefully
Failing to follow instructions carefully is among the most prevalent mistakes people commit when undergoing teeth whitening. It is essential to read the directions thoroughly before beginning your treatment. Doing so will help you know, for example, how frequently to apply the whitening gel to your teeth and the duration to leave it on there.
You might not achieve your desired outcome if you do not follow the directions carefully. You might also have side effects, like gum irritation or tooth sensitivity. So, read every instruction before you start your dental whitening journey.
Not Knowing The Kind of Treatment You Require
If you are considering teeth whitening, you want to know what procedure you require. There are generally two primary types of dental whitening: at-home and in-office. At-home whitening entails using a kit in the comfort of your home. In-office whitening involves a dental hygienist or dentist conducting professional cleaning, often in a single visit.
Not knowing the kind of teeth-whitening procedure you want can be a mistake. If you desire immediate results, in-office whitening might be your best option. But if you wish for a more affordable option, at-home whitening might be ideal.
To avoid committing this mistake, research these treatments. Also, speak with your dental professional. After evaluating your dental history, the dentist or hygienist can tell you what treatment suits you.
Ignoring Aftercare Directions
Another teeth-whitening mistake people make is disregarding aftercare instructions. After you are done with your treatment, you want to follow every aftercare instruction your hygienist or dentist provides. These directions will assist you in maintaining your newly attained smile and prevent any side effects.
Prevalent aftercare instructions to follow include the following:
- Utilizing a straw whenever drinking
- Refraining from dark-colored drinks and foods for a minimum of 24 hours
- Flossing and brushing regularly
You also want to avoid cigarette or tobacco smoking since it can lead to teeth discoloration. Should you have questions about your aftercare directions, ensure you ask your hygienist or dentist.
Utilizing Whitening Agents Everyday
Some whitening agents, such as gel or toothpaste, are easily accessible over the counter. You risk your dental health when you use OVC whitening agents daily. You want to know that teeth will not whiten overnight unless you undergo professional bleaching during dental cleaning.
Also, whitening agents, such as charcoal toothpaste, generally contain abrasives that create a polished effect on teeth. Using abrasive toothpaste daily can damage the enamel and teeth's root surfaces. It can also result in a gum recession. Therefore, do not utilize whitening agents every day. Instead, you could use multi-purpose toothpastes that contain fluoride.
Overusing Teeth Whitening Strips
Dental whitening strips are a convenient and affordable method to achieve a white smile in the comfort of your home. But even though they are effective, they can damage teeth if you use them too often or have them on too long. These strips contain bleaching agents that can raise your likelihood of gum irritation and tooth sensitivity or, even worse, dental damage.
The bleaching agent can be harsher on the gums and enamel, and using it too frequently can destroy teeth layers and lead to erosion. That is why it is so crucial to obey the manufacturer’s instructions. You also want to speak to your dental professional if you experience tooth sensitivity or discomfort after you use whitening strips.
Taking Teeth Whitening As a One-Time Treatment
Whitening your teeth is a process that you must do regularly to achieve your desired results. Do not anticipate that your teeth will sparkle after a single treatment. Also, avoid having teeth whitening procedures with your beauty therapist.
Only dental professionals, like general dentists or hygienists, should carry out whitening treatments. Do not go for cheaper procedures, as they might use unregulated methods or products that will damage your teeth. Consult your dental professional first. Most importantly, remember that anyone who conducts teeth-whitening procedures must legally register with the General Dental Council.
Also, note that to maintain your pearly-white smile, undergo teeth whitening routinely. It is just more or less like regular brushing and flossing. Once you undergo tooth whitening, you will achieve your desired results. However, the teeth will not remain that white forever. For example, drinking excessive coffee, red wine, tobacco, or tea often after whitening your teeth will not keep them whiter for long.
That said, you want to follow your dental professional’s advice on the dos and don'ts of your whitening procedure. This will help you maintain the brightness of your teeth for a longer time.
Using Baking Soda
Some people say baking soda cleans teeth and eliminates surface stains. However, baking soda is the most effective or best teeth-whitening choice. Household baking soda is very abrasive. If you utilize it, its abrasiveness could weaken sections of the tooth enamel, increasing sensitivity. Using whitening toothpaste to brush is generally safer than brushing using baking soda.
You can try Colgate Deep Clean with Baking Soda Toothpaste to whiten teeth. It assists in fighting cavities and removing plaque. It also gently removes stains from the teeth with a non-abrasive formula that uses baking soda safely. This toothpaste is an ideal way to whiten teeth naturally.
Utilizing Outdated Whitening Methods
Staying updated on the latest products and techniques is essential as far as tooth whitening is concerned. Using outdated teeth-whitening techniques or products could be ineffective. In the worst-case scenario, it can erode the enamel, damaging your gums and teeth. Some out-of-date whitening methods include using apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and other acidic products. Using harsh abrasives is also outdated. Studies have shown that citrus fruits like lemons or oranges are among the foods that could damage teeth. If you wish to whiten your teeth, ensure the product you intend to use is reputable.
Consuming Acidic Drinks or Foods Just After or Before Whitening
Whitening your teeth can make them and the gums sensitive. The sensitivity can worsen if you drink or eat anything sugary or acidic. Avoid eating these foods for at least forty-eight hours before or after whitening.
Another related mistake people commit is not flossing or brushing before tooth whitening. Note that teeth whitening needs to supplement your dental care routine. Do not consider it a replacement. Accumulated food particles and plaque on tooth surfaces inhibit the whitening procedure. That can, in turn, lead to poor results. Thus, clean your teeth (flossing or brushing) as you have been doing, and then go for whitening.
Using Ill-Fitting Whitening Trays
Everybody's teeth differ, and so should the whitening trays. One-size-fits-all trays sold over the counter are generally not customized to anyone's mouth. Using those can result in some issues. The whitening gel might leak if the tray does not fit in your mouth. The leaked gel may irritate your gums and damage your teeth. In addition, you might not achieve the desired results if the whitening gel leaks. That is why obtaining a customized tray from a dentist is more effective, even if those are more expensive than the OVC whitening trays.
Also, some whitening elements in peroxide can lower saliva generation, which is required to create and swallow a morsel. Plus, OVC whitening trays being one-size-fits-all means they can be unsafe. Thus, you should never use them without consulting your dental professional.
The Side Effects Of Teeth Whitening Mistakes
If you do not follow the proper directions for whitening teeth or opt for unregulated procedures at beauty parlors, you might experience the side effects of whitening done wrong. These effects include the following.
- Poor outcome. You might not achieve your desired results if you do tooth whitening yourself. Should you over-whiten the teeth, they might appear grey rather than white. In addition, if you have veneers, composite bonding, fillings, or caps, the whitening products will not work on these areas. This may result in you having an uneven finish.
- Gum irritation. Chemical burns or soft tissue irritation can occur if bleach stays on the gums longer during your whitening procedure. This can cause pain and red or white patches on the gums that take longer to disappear.
- Sensitive teeth. If the bleaching agent penetrates too deep into the enamel, the dentin could become exposed, leaving you feeling much pain. This can cause your teeth to become sensitive to cold and hot temperatures and acidic and sugary food. However, the sensitivity is generally temporary. It should disappear after the bleaching agents are off your teeth.
- Rough teeth. When the bleaching agent stays on the teeth for too long, the surfaces of the teeth may feel rough.
Find an Experienced General Dentist Near Me
Whitening teeth is an excellent way to enhance your smile's general appearance. However, taking the necessary precautions before starting any procedure is essential. By avoiding the above prevalent mistakes, you can ensure your whitening procedure is as flawless and effective as possible. Conduct thorough research to determine what method will meet your needs.
If you wish to undergo professional teeth whitening, we at Northridge Advanced Dentistry can help you. We conduct our procedures under expert supervision. First, we will do an oral exam and establish whether you are a perfect candidate before starting the treatment. We strive to assist people in enhancing dental health and beautifying their smiles, and tooth whitening is the most common treatment to achieve a pearly white smile. Allow us to thoroughly assess your dental health before whitening your teeth to prevent damaging your oral health. Call us now at 818-701-3010 and receive the best treatment!
