Is Teeth Whitening Safe? Debunking Myths with Lakeway Dental Associates

A bright, white smile is something that most people desire. It can boost your self-confidence and make you feel less self-conscious about your appearance. With any type of dental care, however, safety is the first thing that comes to mind. While considering a whiter smile, one of the questions that we hear most often is, “Is teeth whitening safe?”

The short answer is yes, when done under the supervision of a cosmetic dentist. There is an awful lot of information available about teeth whitening, and not all of it is true. We want to address some of the concerns that you might have and provide you with a clear, honest assessment of professional teeth whitening safety.

Understanding How Teeth Whitening Works

Professional whitening procedures use a peroxide-based gel. This is the active agent that acts to dissolve stains on your enamel. It’s an oxidation process. When applied, the peroxide enters the microscopic pores of the enamel and comes in contact with the colored molecules, dissolving them. This bleaches the tooth to a lighter shade. The density of the whitening agent and how it is applied are what essentially differentiate professional treatments from over-the-counter treatments.

While home kits are easy to find, they will contain much less peroxide. The danger is that they won’t be as effective, and without a professional, you run the risk of getting an uneven job or gum irritation. Professional teeth whitening ensures the right amount of gel is applied only to the teeth instead of your gums and soft tissue.

Debunking Common Teeth Whitening Myths

It’s easy to be misled by conflicting information. Let’s put to rest some of the most common myths first to enable you to better visualize the benefits of professional teeth whitening.

Myth 1: Teeth Whitening harms Your Enamel.

This is one extremely common myth. The truth is, professional teeth whitening procedures never damage your tooth enamel. The active agents target the stain molecules within the enamel, not the enamel structure itself. Research conducted by the American Dental Association and other reputable sources confirms that teeth whitening, when done correctly, is a safe process for your teeth. Sensitive teeth that some users experience are not a sign of damaged enamel. It’s merely a temporary sensation that generally fades within a day or two.

Myth 2: Teeth Whitening Places Your Teeth and Gums at Risk of Permanent Sensitivity.

Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity following a whitening procedure. This is caused by your teeth’s pores being more open temporarily, which lets sensations reach the nerve. This is only temporary. For the most part, this sensitivity is minor and will pass on its own. Your dentist can also prescribe special desensitizing toothpaste or gels to alleviate any discomfort. It’s a minor, manageable side effect, not a persistent problem.

Myth 3: You Can Get the Same Results with Do-It-Yourself or Internet Gimmicks.

The allure of speed and low-cost fixes is enormous. But most DIY methods, like using activated charcoal, will destroy your enamel. They are not chemically formulated to whiten your teeth and can just wear away the enamel, leaving your teeth appearing cleaner in the short term. Products purchased online can also have uneven concentrations of whiteners, leading to streaky results or chemical burns on your gums.

For your safest results, professional teeth whitening is your best option. Your comfort and health matter at Lakeway Dental Associates. We will check your dental health before ensuring that you are a good candidate for whitening. This customized treatment is what sets a professional treatment apart from an off-the-shelf kit. For those interested in teeth whitening in Lakeway, our staff is dedicated to delivering a safe, effective treatment plan that is specifically designed just for you.

Your Path to a Brighter Smile

So, is teeth whitening safe? Yes, if you do it the right way. Leaning on a professional dentist ensures the treatment is completed correctly, with the right materials, and that your overall dental health is taken into consideration. This is especially important for new patients who lack information about their oral health. A professional will be able to spot any underlying conditions, such as cavities or gum disease, which need to be addressed before whitening.