The Potential Dangers of 'Do-It-Yourself" Whitening
The internet contains a wealth of information…but it also contains an equal amount of misinformation. Scroll through any social media newsfeed and you will find a solution to every problem. Unfortunately, there is an increasing amount of “skip the dentist and do it yourself” solutions being marketed to people who are looking to whiten their teeth. Mail-order teeth whitening products are popping up everywhere, with a majority of the marketing being done on social media.
Looking for a Whiter, Brighter Smile? Visit Your Dentist First!
The first real step into whitening your teeth is to have a dental checkup and cleaning. The cleaning will remove calculus deposits that have built up so that teeth are more receptive to the bleaching. An examination by a dentist is also imperative, as you will need to be checked for any issues that may need to be addressed before you bleach, such as gum disease and decay. It is important to know that whitening products only change the color of natural tooth structure, therefore, fillings and/or crowns (caps) will not change color. That being said, natural teeth that are stained due to medications may not respond well to bleaching and other options may need to be discussed. In addition, your dentist will know the appropriate strength of material to give you.
Tempted to Order Whitening Gel From a Third-Party Seller? Buyer Beware.
Although it may be tempting to purchase whitening gel from a third-party seller online (otherwise known as the gray market), unfortunately there is no guarantee that you will be receiving the actual products, even though the packaging looks legitimate. The products may be improperly stored and may even be expired as well.
Play it Safe…call your dentist.
“Do-It-Yourself” Dentistry? Please Don’t!
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