Top 5 Tooth Whitening Myths Uncovered!

MYTH #1: TEETH WHITENING IS HARMFUL AND CAN RUIN THE ENAMEL
TRUTH: Modern methods of teeth whitening, including laser teeth whitening or Air Flow technique, have minimal harmful effects. Nevertheless, one must remember that teeth whitening may not be recommended for all people, especially for those who have extremely sensitive teeth, problematic enamel, underdeveloped tooth tissues, or facial composite restorations and crowns.

MYTH #2: AFTER ANY BLEACHING PROCEDURE TEETH DO NOT REMAIN PEARLY WHITE FOR A VERY LONG TIME.
TRUTH: In average, the effect can last for about a year or so, but after every additional bleaching procedure the duration of the effects usually decreases. Generally most patients will "touch up" bleach their teeth periodically to maintain their pearly whites. 

MYTH #3: IT IS NOT HARMFUL TO WHITEN YOUR TEETH WITH SODIUM BICARBONATE OR BETTER KNOWN AS BAKING SODA.
TRUTH: It is, actually, very harmful, because sodium bicarbonate we use for baking has very strong abrasive effects. If you want to whiten your teeth in an easy way, the use of special whitening toothpastes with bicarbonate contain much smaller particles of bicarbonate and they do not damage teeth as much.

MYTH #4: HYDROGEN PEROXIDE WILL WHITEN MY TEETH IF I SWISH WITH IT DAILY.
TRUTH: While Peroxide MAY slightly lighten your teeth if swished with, it CAN however cause serious chemical burns to the soft delicate tissues inside your mouth. This route is highly discouraged by dental professionals.

MYTH #5: IF MY TOOTH ENAMEL IS WHITE, THE TOOTH MUST BE CONSIDERED HEALTHY.
TRUTH: This is absolutely not true! A tooth can look healthy and white, but, at the same time, it can have cavities, problems with the root or other abnormalities that require treatment

original post by Dawn_DA  4/27/2009