Why Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products are Disappointing and Risky

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If dark, stained teeth are blunting your confident smile, it can be tempting to grab some over-the-counter teeth whitening products at the drugstore. Unfortunately, the majority of our patients who have tried this approach have been disappointed by the inconsistent and uneven results, and a few have even experienced more serious problems. Here at North Coast Smiles, your Encinitas, CA dentist can provide you with a safer route to a stunning, brighter teeth whitening experience so you can avoid problems like these:

Increased Tooth Sensitivity

OTC teeth whitening products can make teeth more sensitive because their bleaching ingredients can react with the tooth enamel and surrounding soft tissues, especially if the products are used for too long. This can make it uncomfortable when cold, acidic, or hot beverages or foods touch your teeth.

Inconsistent, Disappointing Results

Many of our patients are disappointed with OTC tooth whitening results because it’s hard to apply them evenly and consistently, so they get uneven and inconsistent results. Some areas look mildly whiter, while other teeth look just as dark as before.

Damage to Tooth Enamel

Our dentist in Encinitas, CA often sees patients who have overused their over-the-counter tooth whitening products in an attempt to get better results. However, overusing these products can weaken and thin the tooth enamel, which can leave teeth more vulnerable to decay and damage.

Other Health Risks

Additional health risks typically stem from overusing these products, which contain highly concentrated chemicals. Some of the more serious risks include oral ulcers and even nausea.

Try Teeth Whitening with the Dentist Encinitas, CA Neighbors Rely on For Bright Smiles

Because teeth whitening products all contain strong chemicals, it’s important to use them correctly and under your dentist’s direction. Here at North Coast Smiles, we provide you with two safer, much more successful ways to get a whiter, more confident smile. First, you can have us do it here in the office while you relax. Our trained cosmetic dentistry staff will carefully and evenly apply the bleaching gel while protecting your gums and other soft tissues. Or, we can send you home with your own customized home teeth whitening kit, complete with your dentist’s instructions! Either way, the results are safer and so much brighter! Schedule your appointment today.

The Risks of Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products

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If you were surprised by how yellow or dark your teeth were the last time you smiled, you may have run out to the drugstore to pick up an over-the-counter tooth whitening product, hoping that you could get a brighter smile back. If, like 90% of the folks we’ve worked with here at North Coast Smiles, you were subsequently disappointed by the results those OTC products provided, don’t give up. Your dentist in Encinitas, CA can brighten up your smile so you’re excited to flash it again. We can also prevent you from having to deal with the potential risks of OTC tooth whitening products like these:

1. Damage to Crowns and Sealants

If you have crowns or dental implants, some over-the-counter teeth whitening products can interact with these materials, especially the ceramic ones. They can also impact how well dental sealants work if you have had those applied in the past. This is why it’s important to discuss teeth whitening with your Encinitas dentist first, before trying to use any of these products.

2. They Can Make Your Teeth More Sensitive

The bleaching agents in teeth whitening products can cause extra sensitivity to hot or cold foods. In addition to making your teeth more sensitive, these OTC tooth whitening products can irritate the gums as well.

3. Overuse Can Damage Your Enamel

Although OTC products are generally considered safe for use as directed, many people, in an attempt to force better results, overuse these teeth whitening applications. Doing this, however, can weaken the tooth enamel, which can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.

4. Disappointment with the Results

A lot of our patients are frustrated with how disappointing and uneven OTC tooth whitening products are. Sometimes they’ll brighten up a few teeth, but leave others darker, and often, they just aren’t strong enough to produce the noticeable results they’re hoping for.

5. Oral Ulcers are a Possibility

Teeth whitening products are highly concentrated bleaching agents that, while generally considered safe for most people, can irritate people with sensitive oral tissues. Sometimes, our patients have experienced painful oral ulcers.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Encinitas, CA

Having your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist is a much safer and more noticeable way to achieve an evenly bright, stunning smile. You can simply relax in our comfortable chairs while our expert team protects your gums and applies a strong tooth whitening agent evenly to your teeth. An hour later, you’ll walk out with a visibly brighter smile. Schedule an appointment with us here at North Coast Smiles today!

How Can You Maintain Your Professional Teeth Whitening Results?

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Do you plan on choosing professional teeth whitening for brighter teeth? That’s a great way to enhance your smile! Our dentist in Encinitas, CA, at North Coast Smiles offers this service to eliminate discoloration and allow tooth enamel to shine again. We recommend doing all of the following to make sure your professional whitening results last!

Avoid Tooth-Staining Beverages and Foods

The foods and drinks that stained your teeth in the first place can do so again if you keep consuming them. Limit these or keep them out of your diet entirely for whiter teeth.

Use a Straw

If you do have any beverages that can stain your teeth, consider drinking them with a straw instead of right out of a glass or mug. This prevents the staining elements in them from directly touching your tooth enamel.

Brush Your Teeth Every Day

Teeth whitening in Encinitas, CA, lasts longer when you take care of your teeth. Brush them at least twice a day to reduce the risk of tooth decay that can lead to discoloration and a dull appearance.

Never Skip Dental Cleanings

These visits allow us to remove coatings that can discolor tooth enamel, including tartar and plaque. They’re also an important part of protecting your teeth from decay.

Set Up Whitening Touchup Visits

Even with all of these tips, professional whitening results might not last a lifetime. But we can touch up your teeth to keep them looking whiter over the years.

Make a Teeth Whitening Appointment Today!

Are you ready for a dazzling smile and healthier-looking teeth? At North Coast Smiles, our dental team offers professional teeth whitening in Encinitas, CA, to give you a bright smile that lasts for years!