Everyone wants to have whiter teeth. But for those who have more sensitive teeth, trying to do DIY teeth whitening might have left you discouraged and sore. But you are not doomed to have both sensitive and discolored teeth. You may get better results from professional teeth whitening.

We will go through the reasons why tooth discoloration happens, where tooth sensitivity comes from, and the differences between at-home and professional teeth whitening.

How Does Tooth Discoloration Happen?

People may seek teeth whitening if their teeth are discolored, which can be from the outer layers of your teeth: the enamel and the dentin. The enamel is the thicker, protective, and usually white layer. Right below is the dentin, which tends to be more of a yellow or brown shade. When the enamel is worn down or thinner, the dentin shows through. Other times, the enamel can be stained.

Tooth discoloration can happen for a variety of reasons, both lifestyle and natural. These are some of the most common causes of yellow teeth:

• Diet
  Some foods and drinks can lead your teeth to become more stained. Drinks like red wine, soda, coffee, and tea, when drunk regularly, can cause your teeth to become more yellow. Many starchy and sugary foods attract bacteria, leading to plaque formation and therefore yellower teeth.
  
• Genetics
  Some people are born with a naturally thinner enamel or a more yellow enamel. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they aren’t taking good care of their teeth, but their teeth may appear more naturally tinted.
  
• Poor Oral Hygiene
  If you don’t brush your teeth, floss, or have checkups regularly, there can be a lot of plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth that isn’t being reached. This can lead to a yellow or stained appearance.
  
• Lifestyle
  Some products, especially smoking or chewing tobacco, can cause staining and yellowed teeth.

Though staying on top of proper oral care and a healthy diet and lifestyle are recommended ways to prevent tooth discoloration, you may need the assistance of at-home or professional teeth whitening to reverse some of the process.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive?

Tooth sensitivity is when certain sensations or stimuli cause pain to your teeth. It can come from hot, cold, acidic, or sweet foods and drinks. It can have many causes – discussed more in depth in a prior blog post – including some of the following, which are the most common:

• Enamel Erosion
• Gum Recession
• Tooth Decay & Damage
• Bruxism
• Dental Procedures

If you have been experiencing tooth sensitivity, make sure you regularly maintain your oral hygiene and tell your dentist. Read our blog post on tooth sensitivity for more specific information.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

If you have wanted whiter teeth, you may have tried your hand at it before scheduling a professional teeth whitening session. There are a number of popular DIY remedies that you may have tried, including whitening strips or scrubbing a homemade paste on your teeth.

Though these creative options might have gotten good reviews, there are a few reasons why at-home teeth whitening may not be as effective as professional teeth whitening, especially if you have tooth sensitivity.

1. Worse Tooth Sensitivity
   Many teeth whitening products and kits contain peroxide as a way to “naturally” bleach your teeth. However, peroxide is a chemical that can penetrate the enamel and make your tooth sensitivity worse.
   
2. Gum Irritation
   When DIY treatments or whitening solutions come in contact with your gums, they may irritate your gums, leading to redness, swollen gums, and discomfort, especially if your gums are already sensitive.
   
3. Weakened Enamel
   Because of ingredients like peroxide, at home treatments may be doing more harm than good. They can erode the enamel, causing long-term damage, pain, and cavities.
   
4. Uneven Whitening
   DIY teeth whitening can sometimes lead to splotchy, uneven whitening. This can be from kits not applying the whitening agent evenly or treatments being unable to stain crowns and fillings.
   
5. Ineffective & Temporary
   At-home whitening solutions can often be temporary, needing regular treatments and still losing effectiveness easily.

Leave It to the Professionals

Though it may be tempting to “do it yourself” to get whiter teeth, dentists will be able to provide you with gentler and more effective treatments. In addition to having more technologically advanced methods, they also have the professional experience to know how to address your individual needs. Some pain-free benefits to getting professional teeth whitening include:

• Lower strength or custom whitening gels
• Desensitizing & numbing agents
• Custom-fit whitening trays
• Laser or LED whitening
• Spaced out treatments
• Pre- and post-treatment relief

At Eric Felt DDS, we offer the tools, supplies, and expertise to give you the best results possible, leaving you with a brighter and pain-free smile. Contact us today to schedule your professional teeth whitening appointment.

A bright, sparkling smile is often considered to be a significant element of an individual’s overall appearance. Given the importance we place on the appearance of our teeth, it’s no surprise that various unconventional, do-it-yourself teeth whitening methods have emerged. 

One such trend you might have seen on social media is the use of a magic eraser to whiten teeth. While many online influencers swear by this technique, there are many reasons why it’s best avoided. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the hidden dangers of this teeth whitening “hack” and explore the importance of consulting with your dentist for safer, more effective options.

Understanding Magic Erasers

You’ve probably heard of magic erasers, and maybe you’ve even used them to tackle various household messes. But what is it that sets them apart from other cleaning tools? Why would anyone turn to them as a DIY teeth whitening solution?

These household cleaning products are designed to remove stubborn stains from various surfaces. They are typically made of a sponge-like material, along with a melamine foam that works as an abrasive agent. This makes them effective for removing scuff marks from walls or cleaning sticky countertop spills; however, using them to remove stains from teeth is another matter entirely.

The Risks of Using a Magic Eraser on Teeth

As you can imagine, magic erasers are not meant for use on teeth. Their abrasive properties and toxic components may lead to serious consequences, putting your health at risk.

Abrasive Nature

The melamine foam used in magic erasers is incredibly abrasive, similar to sandpaper. Rubbing this material against your teeth is essentially sanding down the enamel. It may reveal a brighter, whiter surface underneath, but the cosmetic benefits do not outweigh the potential oral health costs.

The enamel is your teeth’s protective outer layer, shielding them from bacteria. Your tooth enamel plays an incredibly important role in your oral health, and risking its integrity for the chance of achieving a whiter smile may cause permanent damage. If you wear down the surface of the enamel through abrasion, it can lead to erosion, making your teeth more susceptible to decay, discoloration, cavities, and sensitivity. 

Increased Sensitivity

Enamel erosion exposes the softer dentin layer of the teeth, causing heightened sensitivity. If you use a magic eraser on your teeth, you may experience pain or discomfort while consuming hot, cold, or acidic foods and beverages. Sure, your smile may look brighter, but preserving your teeth’s functionality is far more important.

Uneven Whitening

Unlike professional teeth whitening treatments, magic erasers are not designed to produce even and consistent results. It’s nearly impossible to get the sponge into every little nook and cranny, which may result in some areas appearing lighter than others. This can lead to an unnatural, displeasing appearance.

Risk of Injury

The usage instructions on the back of the magic eraser package caution against using it on skin, as its abrasive nature poses a threat. Your oral tissues are especially delicate — magic erasers can easily lead to gum irritation and bleeding. Furthermore, this DIY whitening method lacks precision, further increasing the likelihood of accidental injuries to your gums and other oral tissues.

Potential Toxins

Magic erasers contain formaldehyde, which can cause irritation in the eyes, nose, and throat. They also contain sulfurous acid and sodium bisulfate, which intensify the effects of the formaldehyde. While these substances pose little risk when used for their intended purposes, it’s still not a good idea to put them in your mouth.

The Importance of Professional Teeth Whitening

Instead of resorting to dubious DIY teeth whitening methods that pose potential risks to your oral health, it’s best to seek professional teeth whitening treatments from an experienced dentist. There are many reasons professional teeth whitening is the best option, including:

• Customized treatment plans: Your dentist can assess your oral health, identify the cause of your tooth discoloration, and tailor your whitening treatments accordingly, ensuring optimal results without compromising your health.
• Controlled application: Professional teeth whitening procedures utilize carefully applied whitening agents in regulated concentrations, minimizing the risk of damage to gums, enamel, and surrounding tissues.
• Careful monitoring: To ensure the whitening process is proceeding safely and effectively, your dentist will monitor your progress.

Brighten Your Smile at Eric Felt DDS

With professional whitening treatments from Eric Felt DDS, there’s no reason to resort to magic erasers. Our take-home kits are simple yet effective, helping you achieve a dazzling smile in no time. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!