If you’re like most people, you’ve probably been bombarded with so many teeth whitening dos and don’ts throughout your life.

And with the ever-growing popularity of teeth whitening products and procedures, it can be hard to sift through all the information to figure out what’s true and what’s not.

So, to help set the record straight, we’ve debunked some of the most common teeth whitening myths. Whether you’re struggling with keeping your teeth clean or want to know the best way to achieve a bright smile, this guide will teach you the facts against the common teeth whitening myths you’ve likely heard of before.

#1: Teeth whitening is dangerous and can damage your teeth

This is one of the most common myths about teeth whitening, but also one of the most unfounded.

While it’s true that over-whitening your teeth can damage the enamel, as long as you follow the instructions on the whitening product or (better yet) have the whitening procedure done by a professional, you and your chompers will be just fine.

In fact, many dentists recommend teeth whitening as a safe and effective way to achieve a brighter smile. This is evidenced by research articles in the British Dental Journal, Pediatric Dentistry and MDPI, among others.

#2: Teeth whitening treatments are expensive.

Teeth whitening technology has come a long way in recent years and there are now a number of affordable teeth whitening products available on the market. You can find everything from at-home teeth whitening kits to over-the-counter gels and strips. Our favorite is the SunnaSmile Advanced Home Whitening Kit, which uses LED technology to deliver professional-grade results in just as little as 15 minutes!

If you want to be treated in-clinic, there are also a number of affordable and professional teeth whitening treatments that can provide you with dramatic results.

#3: Teeth whitening causes tooth sensitivity.

Most teeth whitening solutions contain mild ingredients that are safe for your teeth and are NOT known to cause sensitivity.

However, there have been a small number of cases where people have experienced sensitivity after teeth whitening. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, this is likely due to a pre-existing condition such as enamel erosion, plaque build-up, or gum disease, not the teeth whitening treatment itself.

To make sure you don’t experience any sensitivity, it’s important to follow the instructions on the teeth whitening product you’re using and to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning beforehand.

#4: Slightly yellowish teeth require teeth whitening.

We automatically think that yellowish teeth means that they’re dirty, but this couldn’t be further from the truth! While teeth stains and cavities are indications of dental problems and dirty teeth, the slight yellowish tinge of your teeth is actually normal.

But that said—if your teeth are looking a little too yellow for your liking, you can always opt for a teeth whitening treatment to achieve the desired shade of white. It’s not a requirement, but we all love a good pearly white smile, after all!

#5: You can bleach your teeth by eating acidic fruits and foods.

We’ve all heard that lemons and oranges can bleach our teeth, but this is actually a myth. The fact is that the acid in these fruits can actually damage and erode your tooth enamel, which will make your teeth look more yellow in the long run.

So, while you might think you’re doing your teeth a favor by eating acidic fruits, you’re actually causing more harm than good. Acidic foods and fruits contribute to dental erosion, which is bad for the teeth. Eventually, it can lead to a number of problems, including cavities, sensitivity to hot and cold, and even tooth loss.

#6: Home remedies like the use of baking soda, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide can brighten the teeth.

It’s true that baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are effective teeth whitening agents—but only when used correctly. Baking soda, for example, is an abrasive agent that can actually damage your tooth enamel if used too frequently. Lemon juice is acidic and will cause teeth stains. And while hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent, it can also be corrosive if used in high concentrations.

We recommend using them sparingly and avail professional teeth whitening treatments instead, which are guaranteed to be safer and more effective.

 #7: Whitening toothpaste is all you need to achieve a dazzling smile.

Whitening toothpastes usually contain gentle polishing agents that can remove some surface stains, but they’re not potent enough to make your teeth significantly whiter. In the long run, they won’t produce the same results as professional treatments or teeth whitening kits. You’ll need to invest in one of these methods if you’re looking for brighter teeth.

#8: Your teeth can be bleached permanently with whitening treatments.

Teeth whitening procedures would return the bright shine and glow to your teeth, but like all things in this world, nothing lasts forever. As time goes by, your teeth would revert to their natural yellowish shade, which is the normal color of teeth. The length of effectiveness will vary depending on your eating habits and treatment of choice, but generally the results will only last for a limited amount of time. This doesn’t mean that teeth whitening isn’t effective– it just means that you need to maintain your teeth whitening treatments in order to retain long-term white smiles.

If you use teeth whitening kits, you’re required to use the kits regularly or on set weekly intervals to maintain your white smile. If you have acquired a series of professional procedures, the whitening effects may typically last for 6-12 months.

The only way to maintain a permanently brighter smile is to touch up your teeth with a whitening treatment every few months or so. To ensure that your pearly whites last longer after treatment, you should consistently brush and floss your teeth daily, along with other good dental hygiene practices. You should also avoid eating foods and drinking beverages that may stain and damage teeth.

#9: Teeth whiteners will also lighten your fillings, veneers, and crowns.

Teeth whitening products and procedures are designed to specifically target stains on your enamel and dissolve them. They can whiten your teeth but they won’t work on anything else that’s artificial.

Since crowns, fillings, and veneers are usually made of another material such as porcelain, teeth whiteners won’t have any effect on them.

#10: You can use oil pulling as an alternative teeth whitening procedure.

Oil pulling is an age-old technique that has been used for centuries to improve oral health. The practice is simple: you put a teaspoon of oil in your mouth, gargle it for 10-20 minutes, and spit it out.

Proponents of oil pulling claim that it can whiten teeth and cure a variety of oral diseases. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that oil pulling can actually whiten teeth. According to a research paper published in the National Library of Medicine website, the practice isn’t recommended by the American Dental Association and dental therapies are still the proven and tested methods when it comes to dental care.

SMILE BRIGHTER & WIDER WITH VANITY BEAUTY’S NATURAL TEETH WHITENING SYSTEM

Teeth whitening myths are so widespread that you can hear them from almost everyone: your relatives, your co-workers, your friends, even strangers. What people fail to realize is that they are more than just harmless myths. These are dangerous pieces of misinformation that can urge people to try teeth whitening hacks that may end up permanently damaging their teeth.

Hopefully, after reading this article, you now know which teeth whitening myths to disregard. If you want a teeth whitening treatment that’s both safe and effective in achieving the glowing smile of your dreams, then let our experts at Vanity Vault take care of your pearly whites.

Our LED-activated teeth whitening system uses natural ingredients and is gentle on the teeth. Schedule an appointment with us today and find out how we can help you achieve that dazzling smile!