With so many different procedures and products that arise over time for teeth cleaning and whitening, there are a lot of myths that come with it. From these myths, there are many questions that need to be answered. What works? What doesn’t? Here are 3 common teeth whitening myths debunked.

1. Teeth Whitening Damages Your Enamel

A common negative misconception of teeth whitening is that it can damage your teeth enamel. This is due people’s incorrect judgement on teeth stains. A lot of people have the mistaken impression that their teeth’s enamel is the actual surface that is stained and believe that whitening products eliminates this stained enamel revealing the pearly white shine underneath. This is WRONG! The stained surface of your teeth is actually the layer underneath the enamel called the dentin, so by removing your enamel, you will actually be making your teeth look worse than it is as this will expose that yellow stained dentin surface.

Luckily, this is not how most teeth whitening products work and they do not damage your teeth’s enamel. Teeth whitening works by opening the pores on your teeth and entering the stained inner layer (dentin) to remove the stains where they actually lie. The enamel will however not be harmed as the pores closes again over time leaving your teeth safe and healthy.

2. Teeth Whitening Toothpastes Are More Effective Than Traditional Toothpaste

Very few dental professionals recommend any type of over the counter (OTC)/drugstore teeth whitening toothpastes as these have little to no effect compared with your traditional toothpaste. In theory, although there are varying differences in chemicals and ingredients used in all the different toothpastes; some of which contain more effective ingredients than others. Brushing your teeth only lasts around 2-5 minutes at a time which is not long enough for chemicals to take effect; therefore, although whitening toothpaste can technically maintain and whiten the outer surface stains of your teeth, it has the same effect as your traditional toothpaste.

The best way to get whiter smiles is through professional whitening treatment such as Bianco Smiles range of whitening bundles as they are designed for effective teeth whitening. Brushing your teeth is still however very important for your oral hygiene and care. Charcoal toothpaste by Bianco Smile will be effective for teeth maintenance as it is made from activated charcoal, one of the most absorbent ingredients in the world, keeping your mouth clean and fresh from bad bacteria.

3. You Can’t Drink Coffee or Wine After Whitening Your Teeth

This myth is True! It is advised that you stay away from heavy staining and acidic foods like coffee or wine for at least a few days after whitening your teeth. This is because the pores on your teeth created by the whitening treatments remain open and takes a couple of days to close up to normal. Eating or drinking foods that are stain-intensive can enter the pores staining your dentin and may also disrupt the chemical reactions meaning your whitening treatment would be ineffective. It is always important to read and properly inform yourself on the required processes for effective whitening. One of the most common mistakes of ineffective results is because whitening treatments are not properly used and followed by the patient and therefore they don’t get the whiter teeth they were expecting.