There’s more than one road leading to the rejuvenated and radiant smile of your dreams. Take teeth whitening, for instance, whose options include professional, in-office treatments, over-the-counter at-home kits, and natural remedies.
While a whiter, more brilliant smile can boost confidence, choosing the method that’s right for you makes a difference. Today, we’re considering the differences in effectiveness and safety between natural remedies to professional whitening treatments to help you make an informed decision!
Professional Whitening Treatments
Professional, in-office treatment offered by dentists is the most effective, consistent, and safe teeth whitening option. Professional treatments use whitening agents (usually gels) that are applied to the surfaces of teeth and then activated by special lights or lasers to break down stains and discoloration.
As professional-grade whitening agents are more concentrated than those included in DIY kits, in-office whitening usually yields noticeable results in a single visit. Another benefit of in-office whitening is that the process is overseen by a dentist or dental hygienist, ensuring safety and consistency.
The Effectiveness of Natural Remedies
In recent years, several natural teeth whitening techniques have gained popularity, largely for their accessibility and cost-effectiveness. The most prominent of these include:
- Baking soda — A mild abrasive that can help remove surface stains.
- Hydrogen peroxide — A relatively mild bleaching agent typically used in diluted form.
- Oil pulling — A scientifically dubious method of swishing coconut oil around one’s mouth to reduce stains.
It's worth noting, however, that results from these techniques are generally mild and more gradual than those of professional treatments and often require regular maintenance over time. Also, while these methods can help with minor discoloration, they don’t provide the deep, long-lasting results most patients seek; from a safety perspective, the overuse of baking soda or hydrogen peroxide in pursuit of more dramatic results can erode enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.
Ultimately, professionally monitored and administered whitening offers the fastest and most dramatic results while minimizing enamel damage and sensitivity risk.
Safe, Efficient, and Effective Teeth Whitening in Long Beach, CA
If you’re in Long Beach and want to learn more about the array of available teeth whitening options and choose the safest and most effective method for you, contact Dr. Brock Lorenz and the excellent Golden Coast Dental Care team to schedule a consultation!