Your smile is important. It’s one of the first things someone notices when they meet you. A whiter, ever brighter smile can instantly make you feel better and help to make a memorable impression.
Myth 1: Teeth whitening will damage your enamel
FACT: Teeth whitening treatments are absolutely safe and do not harm the tooth enamel unless the wrong proportions are used during the treatment.Teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and should only be performed by a dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist.
Myth 2: Makes your teeth sensitive
FACT: During the process of bleaching, the teeth may become temporarily sensitive for a few patients who already have a history of sensitive teeth. However, dentists have different gels that prevent the sensitivity during and after the treatment.
Myth 3: Rubbing fruit on your teeth can help to remove stains
FACT: Strawberries, lemons, even banana peels - we've heard of people reaching for the fruit bowl in an effort to get a shiny smile, but does it work? Not only will this not remove stains, but it will also seriously damage your teeth. Fruit acids and acids in the other foods we eat and drink cause tooth enamel to wear away and teeth can become discoloured and yellow as a result.
Myth 4: It is painful
FACT: On the whole, teeth whitening shouldn't hurt, so if it's stinging, burning or irritating your mouth in any other way, you should stop that particular treatment immediately. However, a little bit of sensitivity isn't uncommon.
Myth 5: Once whitened, teeth will stay white forever
FACT: The colour change is permanent, however, the ageing process continues, which means your teeth continue to yellow. Touch-ups are needed to maintain the whitening.
Myth 6: Teeth whitening results don't last
FACT: As long as you continue to eat, drink, and grow older, no tooth bleaching system is once and done. However, take home trays are a convenient way to keep your smile dazzling and youthful looking, with just an occasional touch-up.
Don’t become a victim of these common misconceptions about teeth whitening. Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you, so do your research before doing anything to your teeth and always consult your dentist first.