Teeth whitening has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental treatments – whitening toothpastes, black market whitening gels, whitening strips, the list goes on. With so many options available, many of which can be dangerous to your oral health, it’s easy to get confused.
If you’re considering whitening your teeth, you might also be weighing up the benefits of home whitening kits, against in surgery treatments offered at Belmore Dental like Philips Zoom.
Let’s break down the truth of it all!
- Why whitening toothpastes don’t really work:
Whitening toothpastes are marketed as a way to brighten your teeth, but the reality is, they don’t really do much for long-term whitening.
While these toothpastes may contain very small amounts of peroxide, they are only able to remove surface stains caused by things like tea and coffee. They don’t address deeper staining or change the over all colour of your teeth. Moreover, many whitening toothpastes can be abrasive, potentially leading to enamel wear over time if used too frequently.
Overall, while whitening toothpastes can help you maintain a slightly brighter smile, they aren’t an effective whitening tool compared to professional treatments.
- The dangers of buying whitening gels on the internet, & why you should only visit your dentist for whitening treatments:
In an era of online shopping and instant gratification, it’s tempting for many to buy cheap whitening gels from unknown sources. This can be risky, for more than one reason!
- Unregulated products sold online are unlikely to meet health and safety standards. Some could contain harmful ingredients, or excessively high concentrations of peroxide, which can cause tooth damage, gum irritation, or even chemical burns if used improperly.
- You can’t always trust that what you see on a product’s label is accurate. Many online sellers misrepresent their products, and some even sell counterfeit or expired items that may be ineffective, or worse, harmful!
- When buying whitening products online, there is no professional guidance to provide you with instructions for proper usage, monitor progress, or address any issues. Furthermore, when having your treatment provided by a dentist, they will be able to assess and ensure your suitability prior to the treatment.
- With professional treatments, you are more likely to see long-lasting results. Your dentist uses a stronger whitening agent and will provide you with follow up advice to maintain your dazzling new smile.
- Why do we recommend getting Perioflow stain removal before whitening treatments at Belmore Dental?
Before any whitening treatment, it is highly recommended to remove surface stains and plaque build-up which could otherwise hinder the whitening process. This is where our Perioflow stain removal treatment comes in!
Perioflow is a dental cleaning system we offer at Belmore Dental in Enniskillen. Using a specialised air flow device, we can gently clean the teeth, removing plaque and stubborn stains easily. We recommend this before whitening because it offers:
- Better penetration of whitening agents
- Smoother tooth surface, leading to better adhesion of gel and thus providing more even results
- Improved oral health
In the UK it is illegal for anyone other than a licensed dental professional to prescribe or apply whitening treatments. Only a dentist is equipped with the knowledge and experience to safely apply these products and monitor their effects.
If you’d like to know more about teeth whitening and whether it is the right treatment for you, why not get in touch today!
