Discoloration can happen for numerous different reasons, including the use of tobacco products, drinking pigmented beverages, and aging. While it’s natural, staining is still something that we consider unsightly and become self-conscious of. Fortunately, there are teeth whitening options out there to help you get the pearly whites you desire. However, it is a good idea to avoid the store-bought whitening treatments and opt for a take-home whitening kit from your dentist instead. Continue reading to learn why.

What Are the Cons of Store-Bought Whitening Kits?

Store-bought teeth whitening kits don’t generally deliver the dream results that most people hope for because the whitening agent isn’t nearly as powerful as the one present in professional kits. Here are a few of the ways this type of teeth whitening can harm your smile:

• Hurts Gum Tissue: Whitening kits that you get from the store can damage your gum tissue because of the peroxides that are used in them. When you choose whitening strips or a gel tray, there is often unnecessary contact between your gum tissue and the whitening agent. With professional kits, the trays are customized to fit you perfectly and prevent gum irritation.
• Damages Protective Enamel: When they aren’t being used properly, store-bought kits can cause enamel erosion. This is because many of them contain sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide. In the end, this can expose the dentin beneath the enamel of your teeth. This means discoloration, sensitivity, and pain.
• Aggravates Dental Issues: If you have a dental issue, like a cavity or crack, store bought whitening kits can make it worse. The whitening agent can seep into any crevices and travel to the root of the tooth. This is incredibly painful and can require a root canal to fix. With professional teeth whitening kits, your dentist will check your teeth first for any dental issues before moving forward in the process.

How Do Professional Take-Home Whitening Kits Work?

In order to achieve safer, more dramatic results, professional take-home whitening kits are recommended. First, your dentist will take a look at your teeth and gums to look for any existing oral health problems so they can be resolved before proceeding. You will be provided with custom-fit mouth trays and a potent whitening gel to lift stains from your teeth. After wearing the gel-lined tray for about two weeks, you will see your teeth become noticeably whiter!

Don’t risk your oral health for a whiter smile. Instead, go to your dentist for your whitening needs. This way, you can show off healthy pearly whites with pride!

About the Practice

At Sommers Family Dentistry, you have two skilled dentists providing quality care to patients in the Norwalk area. Both Dr. Norman C. Sommers and Dr. Adam P. Sommers earned their dental doctorates from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. They are members of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and the North Central Ohio Dental Society. To learn more about teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (419) 668-3606.