Don't Be Fooled! Debunking The Top Myths About Teeth Whitening

Tooth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available today, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Despite tooth whitening being a relatively safe procedure when performed correctly, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding teeth whitening that can scare people away from this straightforward treatment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top five myths about teeth whitening in Albuquerque.

Myth 1: The Results Last Forever

Many people believe that once they whiten their teeth, the results will last forever. However, this is not the case. Teeth whitening is a temporary solution and the results will only last for a few months. The main goal of teeth whitening is to remove yellow stains on the surface of your tooth. The process does not address any cavities or stains in the dentin or enamel of your tooth which are most likely responsible for tooth sensitivity and/or pain.

Myth 2: Teeth Whitening Makes Your Teeth Very Sensitive

You may experience mild sensitivity during teeth whitening in Albuquerque, but it is temporary and will go away once you finish the treatment. Make sure to talk to your dentist about other ways to get whiter teeth if this happens to you. A little bit of sensitivity is worth having when you can obtain brighter teeth and an overall healthier smile. If your toothbrush has not been replaced in six months or more, then that could be causing tooth sensitivity as well!

Myth 3: DIY Kits are Better than Professional Teeth Whitening

Do-it-yourself teeth whitening kits seem like a great way to save money. But the reality is that they’re not as effective as professional treatments. The chemicals in DIY kits are weaker than what dentists use, so they take longer to work. And if you don’t use them correctly, you could damage your teeth or gums. Professional teeth whitening in ABQ NM uses the right materials which can lighten teeth after just one session. So, it's best to see a dentist for this kind of treatment.

Myth 4: Teeth Whitening Will Damage Your Enamel

Enamel is the hardest substance in your body, and teeth whitening will not damage it. In fact, teeth whitening can actually help to strengthen your enamel by removing stains that can lead to tooth decay. If you are concerned about the health of your teeth, your dentist may prescribe you a fluoride treatment or recommend an over-the-counter toothpaste with fluoride.

Myth 5: Teeth Whitening Works on Crowns

While teeth whitening can brighten your smile, it won’t work on dental crowns. Crowns are made of porcelain or ceramic and are designed to match the color of your teeth. If you have a crown, it will remain the same color as when it was first placed.

Teeth whitening near me seems like a quick, effective way to make your smile brighter and whiter. Be sure to obtain this treatment from a professional rather than purchasing over-the-counter kits from drugstores.

Why Are My Teeth Discolored? Here Are the Possible Reasons

So your teeth are discolored, and you are embarrassed by your smile. Well, you're not alone. Many Americans spend more than a million dollars yearly on whitening products to brighten their smiles. However, tooth discoloration is more than an aesthetic issue; it could significantly affect the health of your teeth and gums. So, wouldn't that be better if you could understand what causes tooth discoloration and possible steps to prevent them? Indeed insightful, isn't it? That’s why our dentist specializing in teeth whitening abq nm has shared some of the most common causes of tooth discoloration and steps to prevent them in this blog. Keep reading to explore the causes and prevention.

So What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

Medications

Medications are one of the most common causes of tooth discoloration. Antibiotics, antihistamines, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications can all cause teeth to become discolored. The good news is that this type of discoloration is usually reversible. If you are taking any medications that might be causing your teeth to become discolored, talk to your dentist or doctor about switching to a different medication.

Fluoride in Water

Too much fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis, which results in white spots or streaks on the teeth. It's important to brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and drink plenty of water to prevent this. If you live in an area with high levels of fluoride in the water, you may need to use a special filter.

Darkly Colored Foods

We all know that eating lots of sugary and starchy foods can cause cavities, but did you know that these foods can also cause tooth discoloration? When these foods are combined with bacteria in your mouth, they can create a sticky film called plaque. Plaque can not only cause cavities, but it can also lead to tooth discoloration. To prevent this, be sure to brush your teeth after eating darkly colored foods. You may also want to consider teeth whitening near me.

Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of tooth discoloration. The nicotine and tar in tobacco can cause stains on your teeth, and smoking also decreases the production of saliva, which helps protect your teeth from bacteria. If you smoke, quitting is the best way to prevent tooth discoloration. A professional teeth whitening Albuquerque can help remove the stains from your teeth.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral habits can lead to tooth discoloration due to bacteria called plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and if it’s not removed, it can harden into tartar. Not only is tartar unsightly, it can also lead to gum disease. To remove plaque, brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. You should also floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth.

Some teeth stains can be reversed through a professional teeth whitening Albuquerque procedure, while others can’t be. However, your dentist is the right person determine the best treatment option to remove or hide the stains. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation.