Many people want a beautiful smile, and part of a beautiful smile has to do with having shiny white teeth. However, one of the few things standing between them and a perfect smile is some of the myths and misconceptions behind teeth whitening, which Smiling Oak Dentistry, your trusted dentist in Mount Pleasant, SC, will cover below.

Myth #1: Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Are Safe Options

There are many who use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda as a viable teeth whitening solution for their teeth. While the combination of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is relatively harmless, regularly using this DIY tooth care tandem will not be without consequences. For one, hydrogen peroxide can cause gum tissue damage and result in irritation, swelling, while baking soda can be abrasive and can damage your tooth’s enamel and cause sensitivity.

These teeth and gum-related issues will necessitate a separate visit to an expert in dentistry in Mount Pleasant, SC.

Myth #2: Teeth Whitening Harms Tooth Enamel

There are some tooth whitening procedures that open the pores on the outer surface of the teeth to let the cleaning agent reach deeper stains. If done correctly, such processes will not harm the enamel of your teeth. For best results, you should see a qualified dentist for your teeth whitening needs. You can also opt for one visit crowns (same day crowns) if you are concerned about your tooth enamel.

Myth #3: Whitening Toothpaste Is for Long-Term

One of the many things that our cosmetic dentistry patients who want to whiten their teeth tell us is that they first used whitening toothpaste but didn’t get the long-lasting results they were after. While the toothpaste they use does contain whitening ingredients, the concentration of those ingredients isn’t enough to have a visible, lasting effect on their teeth.

If you really want to have pearly whites for good, you might want to take teeth whitening a step further by considering veneers multiple types of which we offer.

Myth #4: You Can’t Whiten Sensitive Teeth

Those with sensitive teeth naturally shy away from anything, such as dental implants, which they believe will cause their teeth pain or discomfort. Smiling Oak Dentistry provides options to help reduce sensitivity during the teeth whitening treatment to ensure a comfortable, pain-free process. Just ensure that you let us know, and we’ll do the rest.

If you’re ready for a brighter smile, let the family dentistry professionals at Smiling Oak Dentistry evaluate your teeth and go over treatment options. We’re happy to help, and you can get in touch with us by filling out our online form.