In many cultures, white teeth are associated with wealth, youth, health, and status, and people have tried a wide variety of ways to achieve brighter grins. While some methods have shown themselves to be effective ways to remove unsightly stains and discoloration, many of these can lead to permanent damage that leaves your teeth vulnerable to infection, injury, and loss. Here’s a brief guide to a few whitening methods that you should avoid as well as why you should consider professional teeth whitening from your dentist.
DIY Can Make Your Teeth Die
If you surf your favorite social media platform today, you may find a multitude of influencers peddling at-home whitening methods that involve acidic or abrasive substances such as lemon juice and charcoal. While using these materials to wear away a stained layer of enamel might get rid of unsightly discoloration, it will also weaken your teeth, make them more sensitive to discomfort, and increase their likelihood of being lost. It’s best to get all your teeth whitening advice from a qualified dentist instead.
Medieval Teeth Whitening Was Barbaric
If you were living in medieval Europe, you would maybe seek teeth whitening treatments from your local barber. This professional would rough up your teeth with a rasp before applying a few layers of nitric acid to bleach out stains. Unfortunately, this process destroyed healthy enamel and made teeth more likely to become injured, infected, and lost. Then again, teeth didn’t have to last as long back then since life expectancies were shorter.
Ancient Roman Teeth Whitening Was Gross
The ancient Romans developed a cheap and effective way to whiten their smiles that was readily available to citizens of all social classes as long as they had sufficient drinking water: They would rinse their mouths with their own urine. While the ammonia in this bodily fluid was non-acidic and able to bleach out unsightly stains, it was also horrible for your breath.
The best way to achieve whiter teeth is to practice excellent oral hygiene at home by brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash while keeping up with regular dental appointments. If you have any stubborn stains or discoloration that won’t respond to conventional hygiene methods, your dentist can also perform a safe and effective teeth whitening treatment that can deliver amazing results in a brief timeframe.
About the Author
Dr. Wael M. Kassem earned his dental degree at Temple University and completed a General Practice Residency program at Kings County Hospital in New York City. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in Williamstown offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. To learn more about brightening your grin, contact his office online or dial (856) 818-9998.
