Teeth Whitening Options, Which Is Best For You?

From dietary choices to genetics, there are so many different things that can affect the color of your natural teeth. However, it is not uncommon for people to visit Harbor Mesa Dental Care for teeth whitening in Costa Mesa, CA, to brighten their smiles. With so many different teeth whitening options available, how do you know which one is best for you?

Do-It-Yourself Teeth Whitening Trends

Similar to diet fads, it is almost never a good idea to follow DIY whitening trends for your teeth. This is a high risk of enamel damage, and more often than not, you won’t end up with whiter teeth. For instance, activated charcoal is all the rage right now. However, the American Dental Association reports that it is not safe and it won’t whiten your teeth. It is very abrasive and will wear away the tooth enamel. 

Another popular trend is apple cider vinegar, but vinegar is very acidic, which is highly erosive to your enamel. This increases the risk of cavities. 

Whitening Toothpaste

As a general rule, whitening toothpaste is safe. As you are scoping them out at the drug store, make sure to find out with the Seal of Approval from the American Dental Association, which says that the product is safe and effective. 

Whitening toothpaste is designed to brighten the appearance of your teeth by eliminating the stains on the surface of the enamel. Usually, regularly, they can prevent continuous staining from stain-causing habits like smoking and dark beverages like soda and coffee. 

Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

There are many over-the-counter whitening products like strips that can be purchased and used to whiten your teeth. These tend to contain the same active ingredient that Costa Mesa, CA, teeth whitening dentists use in their office, which is a peroxide chemical. Peroxide chemicals work to whiten the teeth by penetrating the enamel and oxidizing darker molecules and breaking them down. 

The primary differences between OTC and professional products are how the product is applied to the teeth and the strength of the whitening chemical. 

Professional Teeth Whitening

Ideally, the safest and most effective way to have your teeth whitened is in the office under the care of a dentist. Our products are the strongest that you will find, which means they will take effect the fastest.

You can choose to undergo teeth whitening in the office or in the comfort of your own home. Many people choose to do both for optimal results. Call Harbor Mesa Dental Care at (714) 825-0025 to schedule your teeth whitening appointment with a Costa Mesa, CA, dentist.