The Risks Associated with DIY Teeth Whitening

DIY teeth whitening tips and tricks have been passed around for years. And now, with the help of social media, they seem to be growing in popularity. Since very few people have a naturally bright white smile, yet everyone wants one - more and more people are giving DIY teeth whitening a try.

Whether it is to save money or time - or just to try something simple or natural - these whitening methods can come with some serious risks. 

What is DIY Teeth Whitening? 

For those looking for fast, professional results that get teeth many shades whiter in one visit, your dentist provides professional teeth whitening treatments. Still, many forgo this option and search for DIY methods. A quick search on the internet and you will see that people have tried many things that they believe to be the best for whitening teeth, including: 

• Lemon juice
• Oil pulling
• Activated charcoal
• Peroxide mixed with baking soda
• At-home, over-the-counter, teeth whitening kits

Unfortunately, they all come with a bit of risk.

Risks Associated with DIY Teeth Whitening

Before you rush out to grab some coconut oil for oil pulling or slice up that lemon, let’s talk about the dangers involved in these so-called teeth-whitening methods. 

Lemon juice. Lemons are highly acidic. And while putting lemon juice in your hair has been known to lighten it, putting it on your teeth can cause irreversible enamel damage. 

Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. You can go to the oral healthcare aisle in just about any store that has one and you will find toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash - and teeth whitening treatments. Although they may not give you the results you are looking for as quickly as you’d like, these are effective in their own way. The risk? They can lead to spotty, uneven whitening, as well as leave gums irritated and teeth sensitive. 

Activated charcoal. Activated charcoal may be good at removing stains, but it is much too abrasive. As a result, it can actually be doing more harm than good. 

Oil-Pulling. There are no serious dangers associated with oil pulling except that it doesn’t have any evidence supporting its claim to whiten teeth. If done regularly, it can lead to some jaw soreness. And, if swallowed, the oil used can cause an upset stomach. 

Peroxide mixed with baking soda. It makes sense to use this as peroxide is known to act as a whitening agent. However, placing this mixture on your teeth can damage the enamel and cause a great amount of irritation with the gums. 

The Professional Teeth Whitening Difference

The best thing you can do to ensure the safety of your oral health while achieving noticeable whitening results is to visit your dentist. They offer in-office and at-home professional teeth whitening treatments that are both safe and highly effective. 

These products often use a stronger bleaching agent than you would find in the over-the-counter options. But, because they are used under the supervision of a dental professional, they are much safer with much less risk. 

Professional Teeth Whitening in Albuquerque

If you are interested in teeth whitening treatments, stay away from DIY treatments and opt for professional whitening instead. To learn more, the dental team at Davis, Gribble, Hollowwa Dental can help. 
Contact us today at 505-898-1976. Or, request an appointment online.