Can Teeth Whitening damage your teeth? The Myths & The Reality
Many claims are made about teeth whitening, some of which circulate as widespread rumours.
Some say that “teeth whitening strips a layer of your tooth” or “ruins your teeth”. There are plenty of myths about teeth whitening masquerading as facts.
At Enlighten, we see these types of questions and statements all the time. That’s why we’ve written this guide — so you can get the facts about teeth whitening treatments without all the noise.
Common Teeth Whitening Myths
There are many myths about teeth whitening that we, as teeth whitening experts ourselves, want to dispel.
So, keep reading as we bust open all the misconceptions about whitening treatments.
Myth one: Whitening your teeth damages your enamel
This is the big one — it’s not uncommon to find somebody who thinks this or has apprehensions about teeth whitening for this very reason.
While improper practice can damage your teeth, teeth whitening overall is considered extremely safe.
A proper dental care professional can give you remarkable results without damaging your teeth and jeopardising your oral health. Also, peroxide has been safely used in the dental industry for over 100 years!
However, if you’re trying at-home treatments, there are some points to consider:
· Teeth whitening typically doesn’t harm healthy enamel, but it can cause temporary sensitivity if your enamel is already weakened.
· Whitening treatments do not affect dental restorations like bonding, tooth-coloured fillings, crowns, or implants. It won't negatively affect restoration, nor will it whiten restorations.
· Some whitening products may alter the surface of your teeth and, in some cases, cause damage. Always read and follow the instructions on any over-the-counter products and take the advice of your whitening practitioner before and after treatment.
· Whitening toothpaste is generally safe, but it's important to follow the recommended usage guidelines.
At Enlighten, we know that a professional teeth-whitening system recommended by dentists is the only way to safely and effectively whiten your teeth and get long-lasting results. That’s why our Enlighten Evo4 treatment guarantees the results you’re looking for, quickly and safely.
Myth two: Teeth whitening is painful
Some people may have had a bad experience with over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments, particularly if they’re allergic to some ingredients or they have dental conditions such as thin enamel or receded gums.
It is not uncommon for some to experience some sensitivity during whitening. It should not be bad, and it is always transient (meaning it goes away once you stop the treatment).
However, for the vast majority of people, teeth whitening treatments and aftercare are painless. So, don’t worry if you’re scared of taking the plunge.
It’s not uncommon to feel a minor sensitivity after treatments. If you’re using over-the-counter or professionally administered bleaching agents and they make contact with your gums, you might experience some slight irritation. However, it shouldn’t be unmanageable — so don’t panic.
Myth three: Natural remedies are better than teeth whitening treatments
With some of the myths and concerns that people have about teeth whitening treatments, people think that natural remedies are better than professional treatment and less risky.
Some of the proposed alternatives to teeth whitening treatments are:
· Coconut oil
· Apple cider vinegar
· Acidic fruits
Here’s the truth — they don’t work in the slightest. The acidity found in these ingredients is said to cleanse the tooth and remove stains, but all they do is wear away the enamel, irritate your gums and damage your teeth.
Professional teeth whitening treatments, such as Enlighten's system, are your best option for safe and long-lasting results.
Myth four: You can't whiten sensitive teeth
We’re often told we can’t undergo a whitening procedure if we have sensitive teeth. “It’ll hurt too much” or “might cause other complications” are often common excuses.
Whilst this may be true for some extreme cases, with Enlighten, we can adjust the treatment accordingly for those with sensitive teeth.
Also, to let you in on a secret... sensitivity to hot and cold is not always a good indicator of whether you will have sensitivity from whitening. Your dentist should advise on this.
There are many different professional whitening solutions available, even ones that are gentle on sensitive teeth.
Enlighten’s specialist dentists know how to uniquely tailor their plans to suit even the most sensitive teeth, leaving you with long-lasting results with minimal irritation.
Myth five: Avoid drinks that stain teeth
Finally, we’re often told that our favourite drinks — whether that be your morning cuppa or your evening wine — are just going to stain your teeth again. You might have even been told to avoid them after treatment directly from your dentist.
With Enlighten’s tailored treatment, this isn’t true either.
Once your treatment is finished, you can still enjoy a deep red wine or a strong black coffee without losing the whitening you achieved with the treatment.
Some over-the-counter treatments — or alternative professional treatments — may require not drinking wine, coffee or tea and avoiding smoking for around 48 hours after it’s done. So, be sure to always follow the instructions from your dentist or check the label if you’re going for store-bought treatments.
Don’t Fear Treatment — Get Started Today with Enlighten
At Enlighten, we understand that every smile is unique and deserves tailored care. That’s why our gentle, non-invasive whitening treatment is designed to brighten your teeth while preserving their health.
Visit one of our certified dentists for a professional whitening experience that enhances your smile safely.
Our signature Enlighten White, with a clinical-grade formulation, repels both plaque and stains, while our Enlighten Serum toothpaste helps to seal micro-cracks in the enamel, reducing sensitivity.
Need more questions answered?
Find a dentist near you to book a consultation. Alternatively, get in touch; our team is more than happy to help you get started.
