Throughout history, many cultures across the world have associated a white smile with health, wealth, youth, and status. While it’s understandable that people have resorted to a wide range of teeth whitening methods, some of these treatments are far safer and more effective than others. Here’s a brief guide to a few teeth brightening techniques to avoid as well as why professional whitening treatments from your dentist are the ideal choice.
Medieval Teeth Whitening Was Rather Terrifying
People in the Middle Ages viewed white teeth as favorably as we do today, but they didn’t have the same safe and effective methods that today’s dentists use to address stains and discoloration. If you wanted whiter teeth in medieval Europe, you’d probably go see a barber who also provided for the town’s surgical needs. He would perform a whitening treatment that involved abrasing the surface of the teeth with a file and treating the enamel with nitric acid to burn away the stained outer layers of the enamel.
While this treatment could leave a patient’s teeth significantly whiter, it did so by leaving them more vulnerable to injury, infection, and loss. Modern teeth whitening treatments are completely non-destructive so you won’t have to worry about compromising your oral health for the sake of your smile’s appearance.
DIY Teeth Whitening Is a Recipe for Disaster
Socia media influencers today are peddling a wide range of at-home teeth whitening techniques, but these are almost universally bad ideas. You may have heard of people using substances like lemon juice and activated charcoal to remove stubborn stains, but these methods work by destroying discolored but otherwise healthy enamel. It’s best to leave your teeth whitening treatment to a qualified professional.
Teeth Whitening from Your Dentist Is the Way to Go
If you’re looking for the best way to achieve a whiter smile, your dentist can perform a safe and effective teeth whitening treatment in one of two forms:
- Take-home kit: These kits include customized dental trays and professional-grade whitening gel to ensure remarkable results, and they take about two weeks to complete.
- In-office procedure: Your dentist can brighten your smile in about an hour with a single treatment at their office.
Professional teeth whitening treatments can leave your teeth up to eight shades whiter. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve a brighter smile.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Brice earned his dental degree at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School and regularly pursues advanced coursework to develop his skillset further. His office in San Antonio offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening services. To schedule your teeth whitening consultation, contact his office online or dial (210) 903-5565.