Teeth whitening is one of the most popular procedures in dentistry. In addition to making teeth whiter and stain-free, teeth whitening also creates a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

The best way to maintain a healthy smile is to follow a routine of flossing and brushing, as well as visiting your dentist at least twice a year. However, in some cases, you may want to whiten your teeth. This is because teeth naturally darken over time due to lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking coffee, or wine. 

Several options are available for teeth whitening at home, including toothpaste, films, gels, and homemade remedies. Dentists use bleaching agents to whiten teeth. Those bleaching agents have a high chemical composition, so dentists are required to apply them carefully.

Generally, teeth whitening toothpaste doesn’t damage your teeth as much as films and gels. However, it’s best to ask your dentist for a recommendation. Your dentist may recommend different dental products based on your current oral health condition.

Tooth whitening remedies made at home are not the best for oral health. The effects of teeth whitening can be negated if your teeth have been damaged. Here are some unsafe at-home whitening practices to avoid. 

1. Baking soda has natural whitening properties, but it is also abrasive and can wear away the enamel over time, causing your teeth to become sensitive.
2. It’s not recommended to use apple cider vinegar to treat tooth stains. The acidity of apple cider vinegar will erode your tooth enamel over time. 
3. While hydrogen peroxide does have natural bleaching properties, an application at a concentration of 3 percent would take months before you see any visible results and may cause irritation to your gums and teeth. 
4. Whitening gels and strips contain peroxide and if not applied carefully, they may damage your teeth.

If you are not an expert in teeth whitening, it’s recommended that you visit a dentist to whiten your teeth. Otherwise, you risk damaging your teeth which can lead to complications and cost you more.
Dr. Salim Kapadia Dental Centre, located on Markham Road, has won the 2020 Best Dental Office in Scarborough Award. Call us at 416-321-3268 or click here to book an appointment.