Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville TN
The last time you went to buy toothpaste, did you read the labels or just pick up your usual brand? Dozens of products on the market advertise “whitening” or “ultra white” teeth or “vibrant whitening.” You probably also have noticed the plethora of Internet and TV ads where people use whitening strips, gels, or pastes to brighten their smile. The problem with these store-bought products is that most people don’t understand all the facts about teeth whitening. Tusculum Dental Care wants to steer you away from over-the-counter temporary “cures,” and help you understand why so many people get their teeth whitened by their dentists. That’s why Dr. Craig Shepherd and Dr. Nathaniel Renner of Tusculum Dental Care have gathered information on the five most common myths about teeth whitening.
Myth 1: All whitening products are equally effective
Lots of patients come to their dentists under the assumption that all teeth whiteners are the same. Those people are mistaken. A store-bought whitening product will not give you the same results as a treatment offered by your cosmetic dentist in Greeneville. It’s a common mistake because people assume that all whiteners use the same ingredients. Although all whitening products have hydrogen peroxide in them to break down pigment stains on teeth, the quality of the peroxide used in store-bought products is nowhere near as reliable or strong as what a dentist provides.
Myth 2: Toothpaste trumps whitening treatments
Lots of people believe whitening toothpaste is superior to whitening treatments because toothpaste is used daily and has stain-fighting ingredients in it. The reality is not many people see any results from a whitening toothpaste. The active ingredients needed to whiten teeth usually need 20 to 30 minutes to have an effect on your teeth. Brushing usually only lasts between one and four minutes. No matter how strong the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide is, it can have almost no effect in less than 10 minutes. Constant contact with a hydrogen peroxide gel for 30 minutes, however, does have a significant effect.
Myth 3: Whitening is bad for your teeth
If done in a safe environment by a trained professional, whitening your teeth should have no negative effect on them. When you receive a professional teeth whitening treatment at Tusculum Dental Care, we monitor the process and choose the right solution to fit your needs. Our whitening products are effective and safe.
Myth 4: Whitening is painful
Teeth whitening can lead to some short-term sensitivity to hot or cold, even with a prescription-strength whitening treatment administered by your dentist. However, if you’ve ever heard of people experiencing a burning sensation from a whitening treatment, that is much more likely to be a side effect of a poor quality store-bought product. The reason for that burning in over-the-counter whiteners is because they are made as one-size-fits-all treatments. That means a strip or tray can be too large or slide, allowing the peroxide to move onto your gums, and that is what creates the burning feeling. It is something you won’t have to worry about if you have a whitening treatment done at Tusculum Dental Care.
Myth 5: All stains are equal
Food, beverages, and tobacco products are the most notorious causes of enamel discoloration. The reason that these stains are the most common is that they are extrinsic stains—meaning the stain itself exists on the tooth enamel. It should be noted, though, that many stains aren’t extrinsic. Intrinsic stains exist in the dentin beneath your tooth enamel. Intrinsic stains are rarer because they are most often caused by antibiotic use or injury. That doesn’t mean they can’t be treated, but a store-bought whitening kit will not have enough power to reach your dentin. Certain products available to your dentist, however, are designed specifically for dentin level stains.
Get whiter teeth in Greeneville
Tusculum Dental Care knows that you just want the perfect, shiny white smile, and we understand wading through facts can be difficult with so many options available on the market. Over-the-counter products will never compare to having a whitening treatment administered by a trained professional like Dr. Renner or Dr. Shepherd. Don’t waste your money in a big-box store anymore. Contact Tusculum Dental Care today at (423) 639-7575 if you’re located in Greenville, Jonesborough, or Erwin, Tennessee.