There are many reasons teeth can become dull and discoloured such as smoking, drinking tea, coffee, or red wine, and eating certain foods including curries. Teeth whitening treatment provides an easy, quick, and cost-effective way to remove stains and achieve a brighter, whiter smile.

However, there are numerous misconceptions about teeth whitening methods. Here, Dr James Harrison explores the top five myths he believes are important to consider when looking to whiten your teeth.

Myth #1 – Teeth whitening can be performed by anyone

Teeth whitening by someone who is not qualified is illegal. The NHS states that “teeth whitening is a form of dentistry and should only be carried out by a dentist or another regulated dental professional, such as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, on the prescription of a dentist”. Having your teeth whitened at a beauty salon, by someone untrained, can put your oral health at risk.

Myth #2 – At-home whitening kits are just as effective as a treatment by a dentist

At-home whitening kits may not contain enough products to be effective, which is why they are usually cheaper. They also carry additional risks. If a mouth guard isn’t properly fitted by a dental professional, bleaching gel, which is used to whiten the teeth, may leak onto your gums and mouth, causing chemical burns.

By receiving a tooth whitening treatment from a qualified dental professional, you have peace of mind that you are in safe hands. The results will also be greater – Enlighten’s teeth whitening system, used at Blossom Dental Care, can whiten teeth by up to twelve shades and give results that can last two years.

Myth #3 – Charcoal is the best method for whitening teeth

Using active charcoal to whiten teeth has become a popular Instagram trend with before and after photos often showing impressive results. It is important however to not believe everything you see on social media. Active charcoal is abrasive and can cause damage to tooth enamel, making you more likely to experience dental issues in the future. 

Myth #4 – ‘Oil pulling’ can remove stains

Oil pulling is the practice of swirling oil (usually coconut) around your mouth for 20 minutes to remove stains – supposedly leading to whiter teeth. Although oil pulling is natural and safe there is no scientific evidence that the practice has any benefits.

Myth #5 – Teeth whitening by a dentist is expensive

A tooth whitening treatment performed by a dentist is proven to achieve long-lasting results. This can save you the time and money trying out various at-home remedies which may be ineffective, or worse, harmful.

At Blossom Dental Care & Implant Studio in York, our treatment prices reflect the extensive skills of our highly experienced dentists and dental professionals. We recommend visiting our practice to find out about our tooth whitening options with 0% finance available.

If you’d like to know more about teeth whitening at Blossom Dental Care call for a cosmetic consultation at 01904 653356 or fill out our contact form.