There are some weird ideas on the Internet so you really shouldn’t believe everything you read. And yes, teeth whitening is no exception. Instead of trying the latest craze, stick with what works. For the brightest smile, trust professional teeth whitening in Springfield at Olson Family Dental.
Weird Ideas for Teeth Whitening
So just what are some of those crazy ideas for whitening your smile? Well, one involves placing a mixture of mashed strawberries and baking soda on your teeth. Sounds tasty, but it’s not likely to whiten your teeth very well.
Another trendy idea claims that brushing your teeth with activated charcoal powder will absorb stains and make your teeth whiter. Aside from the yuck factor, the American Dental Association has not endorsed this idea. In fact, charcoal may be too abrasive and could damage tooth enamel.
Finally, there is an old idea dating back to ancient India: oil pulling. This requires you to swish a tablespoon of coconut oil through your teeth for up to 20 minutes. Although this practice isn’t likely to hurt your teeth or gums, it’s also not likely to whiten your teeth or improve your oral health. Once again, the ADA has yet to see studies that support oil pulling so it’s probably better to stick with your toothbrush and floss.
Reliable Teeth Whitening in Springfield
So what can you do to actually whiten your teeth? Your cosmetic dentist in Springfield has a couple of proven options.
First, there is in-office teeth whitening, which is safe and speedy. In fact, your smile will likely be several shades whiter after only a single one-hour treatment.
After you lips and gums have been covered with a protective rubber dam, the whitening solution is applied to your teeth. This contains 15 to 35 percent carbamide peroxide, which has been proven to whiten teeth effectively. Depending on the type of in-office whitening system used, a special light may be focused on your teeth to speed the process.
Alternatively, there are also take-home whitening systems that your dentist in Springfield can provide. You’ll be given custom-fitted bleaching trays and a professional grade whitening solution. Fill the trays and wear them according to the dentist’s instructions. You may notice a change after one treatment, but the best results will be revealed after one or two weeks of consistent wear.
A Word about Over-the-Counter Whitening
There are many teeth whitening options sold in stores. And while these may be somewhat effective, you really never know how long the package you buy has been sitting on the shelf. The ingredients in any bleaching solution tend to weaken over time. Therefore, you’re smile will be better off when you choose the higher potency and freshness of your dentist’s teeth whitening systems.
Meet the Doctor
Dr. Scott Olson has been making people smile since 1998. In addition to teeth whitening in Springfield, he offers a number of other cosmetic dentistry procedures including porcelain veneers, composite bonding and ClearCorrect Braces.