Teeth whitening has become highly popular among Americans. Statistics show that 37 million people got their teeth whitened in America in 2020, with the statistic dropping slightly to 35.22 million in 2024. There’s no denying that whiter teeth are desired. In fact, frightening one’s teeth can be very beneficial, but there are teeth whitening trends that just don’t work as expected.
Why Do People Get Their Teeth Whitened?
According to the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 65% of men and 77% of women indicated that they had undergone teeth whitening at some point in their lives. A separate study indicated that 60% of women and 48% of men had attempted to whiten their teeth. Having discolored teeth can be a major insecurity for men and women alike. It can make people very conscious of their smiles and talking as teeth tend to show when one speaks.
What Causes Teeth to be Less White?
Teeth can become stained by drinking coffee, tea, and red wine. Smoking and chewing tobacco also stain teeth. Certain medicines including antihistamines and high blood pressure medications, plus chemotherapy, and head and neck radiation can also darken teeth. As aging occurs, the hard outer enamel on teeth becomes softer and brushing can expose the darker dentin underneath. There are safe ways to brighten teeth, and there are teeth whitening trends that don’t work and can be detrimental to dental health.
6 Teeth Whitening Trends That Don’t Work
- Lemons. Some people have applied sliced lemon directly onto their teeth or created a solution of lemon juice and baking soda. Not a good idea. The acid in the lemon juice will erode and dissolve the outer layer of enamel over time, which will lead to additional tooth discoloration, increased tooth sensitivity, and increased risk of tooth decay.
- Coconut oil. Swishing coconut oil around your mouth may make you gag, but it won’t whiten your teeth.
- Hydrogen peroxide solution. Dabbing a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide solution on one’s teeth is dangerous. It can cause burns, respiratory irritation, discoloration, and tooth sensitivity.
- Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. Rubbing these erasers on one’s teeth is a bad idea. The erasers are made of a toxic compound, and if you swallow it, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The eraser is also highly abrasive and can quickly wear away tooth enamel.
- Apple cider vinegar shots. Simply useless.
- Brushing with activated charcoal. This can wear away enamel and cause additional discoloration.
Teeth Whitening Practices That Do Work
Some over-the-counter products can offer some benefits including whitening toothpastes, gels, and rinses. But if you want better and more lasting results, it is wise to see a professional dentist. Professional teeth whitening offers more reliable results, faster results, customization, increased safety, increased comfort, and the satisfaction of getting expert treatment.
Seek Professional Dental Care
Contact Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry, located right off Ben Sawyer Blvd. In Mt. Pleasant. S.C. for dental care you can trust. We use treatment plans that are practical using the most advanced technology. We offer caring routine dental care and procedures including extractions and root canals. To us, the patient is the most important person in the office.