Protect Your Smile: Avoid Teeth Whitenings Trends
Viral life hacks can be enticing to try, especially when they offer a quick fix. You may have encountered influencers flooding social media with DIY items or products they have “tried” to whiten their teeth. But before you jump on the bandwagon, take a step back as these methods can damage the health of your teeth instead of making them all white and sparkly. Read this article to find out which whitening hacks to avoid and know what alternatives are available for teeth whitening in Singapore (https://dennistan.com.sg/teeth-whitening/).
Activated Charcoal Powder and Toothpastes
Powerful-whitening is one claim that many charcoal-based powders and toothpastes have, which is why they are popular in the market. The truth is, science cannot provide solid evidence on their efficacy.
Why you should avoid activated charcoal powder and toothpastes
- Abrasiveness: Activated charcoal can harm your teeth by removing enamel, resulting in a more yellowed tooth over time due to the powder’s abrasiveness.
- Lack of scientific proof: There is not enough evidence to prove that charcoal can effectively whiten teeth.
A safer alternative: Whitening strips or gels that are hydrogen-peroxide based are not harsh to the teeth and have more clinical evidence showing that these products are good at whitening teeth. Take note: hydrogen peroxide should only be used when it is
incorporated in products that are specifically made for oral care. Hydrogen peroxide on its own should never be used as a mouth rinse or a teeth whitening solution
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is a common favorite among health enthusiasts who like to use a more natural option to treat various conditions in the body. However, using apple cider vinegar as a scrub to whiten your teeth or as a mouth rinse is more dangerous than it seems.
Why you should avoid using apple cider vinegar as teeth whitener or mouth rinse:
- High acidity: Corrosion of your teeth’s enamel can occur rapidly.
- Increased risk of decay and sensitivity: Your teeth can not reproduce enamel once it is gone, making them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
What you can practice: Book an appointment with your dentist for teeth whitening in
Singapore. Having your teeth cleaned by a professional ensures that your stains are
getting removed in a safe way and your oral health is prioritised.
Banana Peel Rubbing
Banana peels contain minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, which this trend claims can remove discolouration and whiten teeth.
Why you should avoid rubbing banana peel onto your teeth
- Wasted effort and time: While banana peels are harmless, it also has no beneficial properties that can improve your teeth.
- Zero whitening power: There is no concrete evidence that banana peel can rub stains away from your teeth.
This option works: Whitening toothpastes that contain gentle polishing agents are
great at removing surface stains efficiently.
Baking Soda and Lemon Juice Paste
To achieve pearly white teeth, this hack mixes baking soda and lemon juice. This is certainly appealing to many as it makes use of ingredients that are commonly available at home. However, using this on your teeth can do more harm than good as baking soda’s harsh properties and the lemon juice’s acidity are not a perfect combination.
Why you should avoid making baking soda and lemon juice paste
- Abrasive damage: Long-term use of baking soda can erode your teeth’s enamel quickly. This will lead to an increased risk of developing tooth decay as well as tooth sensitivity.
- Acidic wear: The acid in lemon juice can cause the enamel of your teeth to deteriorate fast.
What you can do: Purchase a whitening toothpaste that has the approval from dental associations. The ingredients in these products are clinically proven safe for your teeth.
DIY Bleach Mixes
There are people who take teeth whitening experiments to the next level by using household bleach and other products made with harsh chemicals. There is a high possibility that you can get injured or poisoned if you attempt to do this.
Why to avoid DIY bleach mixes:
- Damages to your oral cavity: Chemical burns are irreversible, so this can forever alter your oral, which can affect your holistic health.
- Toxin exposure: Bleach is very toxic and is not meant to be used internally.
Practice extreme caution: Toxic chemicals are not to be played with. If you are thinking of trying this fad to whiten your teeth, this is your sign to not do it. Leave your teeth whitening in the hands of a professional.
What are the top treatments for teeth whitening in Singapore?
If you are looking for an effective treatment for teeth whitening in Singapore, then seek the help of a dentist. There are a range of treatments and procedures that are fast, safe, and can be easily accessible.
Chairside Non-Laser Whitening
This procedure uses a whitening gel that does not need laser activation. Its results may not be as noticeable compared to laser whitening, but it still gets the job done. This alternative is more affordable and is a good choice if you have mild to moderate teeth discolouration.
In-office Laser Whitenting
This laser procedure is a popular and trusted solution by dentists and patients alike. It involves the use of a hydrogen-peroxide whitening gel that is applied to the teeth and activated by a blue LED light. It is best for individuals who have a hectic schedule and want quick and obvious results.
Over-the-counter whitening products
Many dental products that whiten teeth like pens, strips, and toothpastes can be conveniently purchased at your local pharmacy. Your dental clinic may also offer a premium version of these items, which are more effective and guaranteed safe. If you need touch-ups following your in-clinic whitening procedure, then this is a great product to use.
Take-Home Custom Teeth Whitening Kits
A lot of dental clinics in Singapore offer their own take-home teeth whitening kits. These kits come with customised-molded trays and prescription whitening gels. Consistent use and extra patience is required when using this alternative as they may show improvements longer. You can go for this option if you do not mind seeing changes immediately.
Final thoughts
In the age of social media, different kinds of trends can flourish, but do not immediately believe hacks are being done by influencers–especially when it comes to teeth whitening. The ingredients used in many teeth whitening trends can cause damage to your teeth that are permanent. Only go to a reputable clinic to get your teeth whitening treatment in Singapore.
Dennis Tan Dental – Dr Dennis Tan Meng Kok, Dental Surgeon
22 Malacca St,
#03-01, RB Capital Building
Singapore 048980
https://dennistan.com.sg/
Phone: +65 6348 5622
Whats app: +65 8874 7681
