Radiant white teeth are a timeless sign of beauty. Unfortunately, most people aren’t blessed with a
natural Hollywood smile. This makes teeth whitening treatments very popular. Dentists offer
professional whitening options, but people frequently choose to try do-it-yourself methods instead.
DIY methods are appealing because they’re inexpensive and seem simple. Unfortunately, many at-
home whitening products and recipes are risky. They can lead to unpredictable results and tooth
damage. If you are considering DIY teeth whitening, it’s crucial to understand the danger of it.
Methods Of DIY Teeth Whitening
There are many pre-made products designed for DIY teeth whitening. They’re fairly affordable and
easy to find in stores. Homemade whitening treatments and recipes are common, too. Pinterest
pages and blogs are full of DIY treatments that people swear by.
These are some of the most popular methods:
storebought whitening toothpastes, strips, rinses, and gels
baking soda scrub
charcoal paste
hydrogen peroxide scrub
oil pulling
apple cider vinegar rinse
hydrogen peroxide rinse
turmeric paste
You may notice that there are many before-and-after photos for DIY whitening. Some products and
recipes actually whiten the surface of teeth. What you don't see in these photos is the long-term
damage that can happen.
Risks Of DIY Teeth Whitening
Gum irritation can occur due to acidic, harsh, and abrasive ingredients. Gum irritation often
leads to gum infections and disease.
Enamel erosion is also caused by acidic treatments, abrasion, strong chemicals, and product
overuse. Enamel erosion weakens teeth, and this can lead to numerous dental problems such
as sensitivity, cavities, and more.
Uneven results occur because it is impossible to know if a DIY treatment is applied 100%
evenly. This leads to patchy and embarrassing results.
Soft tissue damage may be caused by chemicals in treatments can irritate your tongue, throat,
and soft oral tissue. This may cause short or long-term discomfort and damage.
Stains and discoloration can stem from ingredients like charcoal and turmeric. Even popular
store bought products may cause discoloration over time.
Your own experience with DIY whitening may vary, but these side effects are all too common. And
many of them have long-term consequences. There’s truly no reason to risk your oral health.
Professional Teeth Whitening Services
Dentists usually offer two options for professional teeth whitening. Custom at-home bleaching trays
are used by patients under a dentist's supervision. In-office whitening treatments are also
common. CostHelper.com reports that at-home trays may cost $100 to $500 and in-office
treatments may cost $300 to $1,000 or more. Your dentist may also provide tips and
recommendations for at-home whitening.
You may feel that these options are too expensive. But the damage caused by DIY teeth whitening
treatments can be very costly, too. Side effects may require treatment from your dentist, so you
risk spending just as much money. Consider investing in professional whitening services that offer
guaranteed results.