When it comes to teeth whitening, many people assume it’s as easy as switching to a toothpaste that has a tooth whitening effect. The fact is, whitening your teeth takes time, and it’s important to know what will and won’t work so you don’t waste time and money. Here are some common myths about teeth whitening.

1. Myth: Whitening toothpastes and gums are fully effective
   This is probably the biggest myth about whitening your teeth. Americans annually spend $1.4 billion on teeth whitening products, but they’re not all created equal. Askthedentist.com says, “While these “whitening” toothpastes and chewing gums may have whitening chemicals in them, they are far too weak to have an effect. Whitening chemicals need to be in contact with the teeth for a minimum of 20 minutes in order to affect a color change.” Not many people brush their teeth for 20 minutes at a time, so in the vast majority of cases, even the strongest whitening toothpastes and gums won’t make much of a noticeable difference — it may be negligible.
2. Myth: When selecting a whitening gel, you should always choose the strongest
   Although it may sound intuitive, getting the strongest gels are rarely a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. Not only do stronger gels cause much more pain and sensitivity, but some studies show that they may not even last as long as gels with lower concentrations of whitening solutions. Experts recommend choosing a gel with a moderate concentration and using it for a longer period of time. This helps the results last longer and eliminates severe sensitivity during the process.

 

3. Myth: You can get just as effective of a whitening gel online as you can get from a professional
   As is the case with many healthcare products, proceed with caution if you’re buying online. There are countless less-than-reputable retailers who will do everything they can to get the most while giving the absolute minimum. Read ingredients lists carefully, comparison shop with a variety of different brands, and always check customer reviews. But ultimately, your dentist will most likely have access to more effective products that you just can’t find online.

Ultimately, these are just a few mistakes to avoid when teeth whitening. For more information, contact Murfreesboro Family Dentistry.