{"id":271,"date":"2024-11-01T22:06:46","date_gmt":"2024-11-01T22:06:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esparzafamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=271"},"modified":"2024-12-13T22:08:24","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T22:08:24","slug":"teeth-whitening-what-works-and-doesnt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.esparzafamilydentistry.com\/blog\/teeth-whitening-what-works-and-doesnt\/","title":{"rendered":"Teeth Whitening: What Works and What Definitely Doesn\u2019t Work!"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When it comes to dental cosmetics, teeth whitening<\/a> has got to be one of the most sought-after treatments! After all, who wouldn\u2019t want a whiter and brighter smile? But the internet is flooded with information about at-home, store-bought, and professional methods \u2013 which one should you choose?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients interested in a pristine smile should sit tight; this post will cover what works and what definitely doesn\u2019t work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

All About Dental Stains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Something you should know about dental stains is that removing them is similar to removing stains off a countertop. Teeth become discolored when pigments from food and other debris slip past your enamel\u2019s pours and settle in. The aim of teeth whitening solutions, then, is to also get through those pours so they can eliminate stains directly. Keep this in mind \u2013 it will be important later!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activated Charcoal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No, not the charcoal you might use for grilling \u2013 activated <\/em>charcoal. Though this is basically normal charcoal that has become chemically \u201cactivated\u201d with extreme heat. If you thought that either of these substances would be smooth, you\u2019d be wrong! Activated charcoal is abrasive enough to wear down your enamel if used frequently, which you\u2019ll likely have to do if you want to see results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Making a paste with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide is not much better than using activated charcoal (plus, there\u2019s no way it tastes pleasant). Use this method, and you\u2019re likely to do more harm than good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem with these rough ingredients is that they don\u2019t necessarily \u201cslip past\u201d your dental pours. They simply erode your enamel until the stains \u2013 and the more sensitive layers of your teeth \u2013 are exposed. This can make them more vulnerable to infection, decay, gum disease, and sensitivity. Basically, it\u2019s not great news for your oral health!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whitening Toothpastes and Mouthwashes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You would think that whitening products found at the store would be formulated with safety in mind. Unfortunately, this isn\u2019t usually the case. Many of these products contain the very same ingredients you should generally avoid rubbing on your teeth. So what can you do about your not-so-pearly teeth?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professional Teeth Whitening<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike DIY and store-bought methods, professional teeth whitening treatments are safe and <\/em>effective. Just ask the FDA and ADA! Your dentist can personalize your experience by creating a take-home kit that fits your smile and your cosmetic goals. In as little as two weeks, you\u2019ll have healthy, brilliant pearly whites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Sarah Esparza<\/a> earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore. She has over 15 years of experience enhancing patients\u2019 smiles, so you can count on her and her team to safely and effectively whiten your teeth! To contact<\/a> Dr. Esparza\u2019s office, call 757-499-4707.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When it comes to dental cosmetics, teeth whitening has got to be one of the most sought-after treatments! After all, who wouldn\u2019t want a whiter and brighter smile? But the internet is flooded with information about at-home, store-bought, and professional methods \u2013 which one should you choose? Patients interested in a pristine smile should sit […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-271","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nTeeth Whitening: What Works and Doesn't | Esparza Family Dentistry<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Social media and the internet in general are flooded with \u201ccreative\u201d teeth whitening methods. 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