10 Popular Teeth Whitening Myths That Are Just Plain Wrong

Teeth whitening in Orlando has surged in popularity recently as new and improved whitening techniques become available. Today, we are going to bust some common myths surrounding this dental procedure.

When it comes to teeth whitening, every patient has different whitening needs and goals. You might be looking to address discoloration caused by your diet, while others are looking for that bright, sparkling “Hollywood” smile.

Below are the top ten whitening myths:

Myth #1: You can whiten crowns, veneers, and fillings.

Unfortunately, anything in your mouth which isn’t natural tooth enamel cannot be whitened and won’t respond to the whitening process. This means you could end up with uneven coloring if you go several shades whiter.

Myth #2: Oil pulling removes stains.

Swishing your mouth with edible oil, such as coconut or EVO for a few minutes to whiten your teeth seems like an old wives’ tale. While there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting it works, as a long term dentist in Orlando we’ve not seen any scientific proof of this.

Myth #3: Avoid whitening if you have sensitive teeth.

Not true. Even if you have sensitive teeth, it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve whiter teeth. At Orlando Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we will make sure you are always comfortable, resulting in a pain-free procedure. There are options to help reduce sensitivity during your treatment, just make sure you mention this to us upfront and we’ll accommodate your needs.

Myth #4: Acidic fruits whiten teeth.

While popular, once again there is no scientific evidence that this removes stains and could do more harm than good as acidic fruit is damaging to tooth enamel. Avoid this method.

Myth #5: Teeth whitening is harmful to tooth enamel.

Ensure you see a qualified dentist near you who uses a high strength, good quality whitening gel. Whitening is a process of opening the pores on the outer surface of the teeth to enable the cleaning agent to reach the inner stains. Seeing a qualified professional will make sure the job is done right.

Myth #6: I’ll get a Hollywood smile!

It’s important to realize results will differ from person to person, some teeth respond better than others, and some people naturally have whiter teeth to start with.

Myth #7: It removes ALL my stains and discoloration.

While that would be great if it were true, the truth is not all stains and discoloration will be eliminated. This is due to several things such as genetics, age, and level of staining (i.e. heavy smokers and coffee drinkers).

As we age our tooth enamel breaks down and older teeth can take on a yellowish appearance due to underlying dentin, making whitening more difficult.

Myth #8: Over the counter options are just as effective.

As with most procedures, giving it a go at home is never going to produce professional results. Not only that, but professional whitening is also completely safe, while the same cannot be said for products purchased outside of your dental office.

Myth #9: Results are FOREVER!

As the saying goes nothing lasts forever, and this also applies to teeth whitening. How long it lasts will depend on your oral hygiene, your diet, and whether you smoke or not.

Myth #10: UV light is a safe and effective way to whiten teeth.

Eck! Regardless of its impact on your teeth, exposure to UV light can be harmful and we could not suggest this as an alternative to teeth whitening. It’s easier (and safer) to visit a dentist near you.

Ready for a bright and white smile? If you’re looking for teeth whitening near you, contact us today for a consultation.