4 Things to Know About At-home Teeth Whitening

Everyone wants to have white teeth, which is why teeth whitening has become so popular. There are two basic kinds of teeth whitening available; professional teeth whitening and at-home teeth whitening. For many, at-home whitening is an attractive alternative to going to the dentist. But before you head to your nearest drugstore, there are some important things to know about at-home teeth whitening.

1. Over-whitening Can Damage Teeth

When you go to the dentist in Mountain View to get your teeth professionally whitened, your dentist can assess your teeth to see if it’s safe to undergo whitening treatment again. But at home, you may not realize that you’re whitening your teeth too much. In fact, over-whitening can damage your teeth. The chemicals can eat through the enamel on your teeth and cause permanent discoloration, the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve.

2. At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits Aren’t All the Same

You need to be very careful about which at-home teeth whitening kits you use. They aren’t all the same, and the ingredients can vary substantially from one brand to the next. If you’ve had good results with a particular brand of an at-home teeth whitening kit, it’s best to stick with it. You should also consider talking to your dentist to make sure that brand is approved.

3. A Whitening Toothpaste May Suffice

Some at-home teeth whitening kits aren’t worth the money. If your teeth are only slightly discolored, you may want to try using a whitening toothpaste instead. You may find that you get the same results or even better than an expensive teeth whitening kit.

4. Teeth Whitening Kits Aren’t For Kids

Avoid letting your kids use your teeth whitening kit. Kids—even teenagers—may not use the kit properly, and they could end up causing damage. They are also more likely to accidentally swallow some of the ingredients, which is also not healthy.

Your best choice when it comes to teeth whitening is to visit your dentist in Mountain View. You’ll get impressive, safe results and be able to have the satisfaction of knowing that your dentist is ensuring that your teeth are as healthy as possible as well as sparkling white. Contact us today to book an appointment!