Teeth whitening – the myths and the facts

Teeth whitening has surged in popularity in the last decade, with everyone chasing dreams of a white, selfie-ready smile. However, with anything popular, myths and misinformation tend to swamp the Internet and social media, which can have a detrimental affect on your oral health and waste your precious time and money. We’re here to separate fact from fiction and arm you with dentally led information that you can trust.

MYTH – whitening ruins your enamel

This is not true. Teeth whitening is perfectly safe IF it is carried out by a dental professional. The dentin (the main portion of the tooth) is responsible for your teeth’s colour. When the teeth are coated with the whitening gel, it travels through the enamel to the dentin, which then begins to lighten. 

MYTH - over the counter options are just as effective

Over the counter whitening products will never produce the same results as professional whitening. Not only that but whitening your teeth with your dentist is completely safe, while the same cannot be said for products purchased outside of the dental practice. Never put your oral health at risk.

MYTH – my teeth will become sensitive 

About 1 in 4 people will experience sensitive teeth during whitening treatment. This is because the action of the whitening gel makes the teeth more porous so the stains can leave the teeth. However, using a sensitive toothpaste can help with the sensitivity and as soon as you stop the treatment it will resolve altogether. 

MYTH – acidic fruits can whiten my teeth

A common Internet fad and popular amongst those who are interested in all-natural remedies, however, not only is it not true, it also is extremely harmful for your oral health. Although fruits are an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet, prolonged contact with the acids from the fruit can eat away at your enamel, which can lead to cavities and tooth wear. Avoid at all costs! 

MYTH – oil pulling removes stains

Yet another popular trend that floods social media. There is no scientific evidence to support that swishing coconut oil inside of your mouth will lift yellow stains and whiten teeth. Leave the coconut oil for the cooking and stick to safe and proven methods of whitening.