Is Teeth Whitening as Effective as Tooth Brushing?

Professional teeth whitening vs. a toothbrush?

It is indeed a dilemma to know how to keep those ‘pearly white ivories’ sparkling white, but — whoa, wait-a-minute... keep the pearly white ivories pearly white? Actually, let’s state some facts on the color of teeth. Teeth are NOT naturally white. Healthy teeth are actually yellowish. Why yellow? Because the second layer of a tooth, called the dentin, is yellow and that yellow color will shine through the translucent property of the enamel found on the crown of a tooth.Whether buying over the counter whitening products such as toothpaste, whitening strips, mouth rinses, or a DIY at-home whitening kit or visiting a dentist for a professional treatment — it needs to be stated that there is no reason, health-wise, for needing whiter teeth. That fact should bring pause as to whether teeth whitening in any method is the means to a better and happier smile. For some, good oral health can be kept through simple maintenance at home. However, some may prefer to visit a dentist who uses a specialized brush or pen and UV lights to brighten their smile in a way that cannot be achieved at home.

Just the Facts

• Teeth are naturally porous and the bleaching solution used will bring greater tooth sensitivity as the bleaching agent goes through these tiny holes in the teeth and oxidizes any staining agents present
• The soft tissue of the gums does not take well to whitening solutions and why it is best to have them applied by a professional dentist
• The higher the concentration of whitening agents the greater the risk of enamel erosion, that protective barrier to the hard yellow dentin that is part of the core, or pulp, of the tooth
• Too much teeth whitening weakens enamel and the dentin can become exposed and weakened, bringing with it the risk of tooth fracturing

Patients should always keep in mind what is most important: healthy teeth! For that, the tried and true methods of brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day, rinsing with a non-alcoholic fluoride rinse and flossing before bedtime is best and can be more effective and safer than the chemical bleaches used in teeth whitening. For whiter teeth, consider brushing teeth with a paste of baking soda and water or baking soda paste with a teaspoon of lemon juice, once a week. The high acidity of lemons act as ‘natural bleach’ and the baking soda will neutralize the acid of the lemon while acting as a mild abrasive to remove surface stains.

Sometimes the Simple Solution is Best

But if you would like to learn more about other ways of taking care of your teeth or to see if teeth whitening is right for you, don't hesitate to call our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

The Best Part?

You can call (770) 993-2657 today to reach Marietta Roswell Dental Care.