If you are not under sixteen and you want to whiten your teeth, don’t opt for any natural teeth whitening method. While this advice might sound confusing to you (yes, because ideally, natural methods are much better), when it comes to teeth whitening, the common natural methods that are known to us can actually do more harm than good to the teeth.
For example, the very common practice of chewing strawberries to clean and whiten teeth can actually make the teeth brittle and the gums weak! Biting lemon slices or peelings can whiten teeth too, but in exchange, the acid content of lemon can actually damage the precious enamel of the teeth. Nonetheless, this does not mean that all natural teeth whitening methods are hoaxes; some methods actually work, you just have to look for these effective methods.
However, this does not mean that you should immediately opt for an artificial teeth whitening method, a lot of artificial teeth whitening methods out there are also ineffective and useless. This article will explore the pros and the cons of artificial and natural teeth whitening, and then you decide for yourself which suits you better. But first, let’s talk about the reasons why teeth-whitening has become very popular, especially to teens and young adults.
Hands Down to Sparkling White
Although it is a hard truth, most people love beautiful exteriors — smooth skin, silky hair, slim body, flawless face and of course, sparkly white teeth. The last one is proven to be the most useful because no other physical feature can make someone look as confident and as happy about himself or herself than a display a perfect smile. Smiling is one of the best ways to connect with people. It’s like a silent conversation opener that breaks walls. Smiling is the simplest way to make someone start to trust you and open themselves to you. This is the reason why celebrities spend thousands of dollars to make their teeth sparkly white and to keep it that way.
Celebrities use their smiles to keep people looking at them, they sell their images and a perfect smile is imperative for them to be able to do that. Moreover, it’s not just the celebrities who make good use of a beautiful smile. A smile works like a miracle trick. All of us can use it to brighten up someone’s day or to influence others to do our bidding. However, you wouldn’t have the confidence to flash a smile if you are not happy with the way your teeth look. Everybody wants a set of white teeth and this is the reason why teeth whitening procedures are very popular nowadays.
Artificial Teeth Whitening
Since the results of effective natural teeth whitening takes time before they appear, most people prefer the more techie methods. Artificial teeth-whitening includes the use of chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. These chemicals (including all other teeth bleaching solutions) make use of their oxidizing properties to lighten teeth color.
You can actually do the whitening in the convenience of your own home or you can go to a dentist and opt for an in-office procedure, the latter option being the more expensive one. Home whitening includes the use of solutions specially prepared by dentists, over-the-counter whitening kits or self-make whitening solutions by yourself. However, although doing the whitening by yourself can help you save some bucks, results of such procedures often takes months before they are seen.
In-office teeth whitening often works better because dentists make use of low-grade laser to hasten the oxidation of the teeth. Thirty to sixty minutes of laser exposure of teeth applied with bleaching solution can result to at least seven times lighter teeth shade. If you are really after visible results, you should invest on in-office laser teeth whitening.
Natural methods of teeth whitening are often employed to teens under sixteen years old because at this age, it is advisable to keep them from using bleaching products just yet. Teens and children below sixteen still have very delicate gums and nerve ending. Exposure to bleaching solutions may only result to consequences which will be regretted forever. Pregnant and lactating women also need to avoid bleaching products as these products may cause undesirable side effects to their child. Moreover, people with very sensitive teeth and gums are also advised not to try any bleaching product.
Natural teeth-whitening involves the use of organic products. However, although you are dealing wit organic products, you still have to consult your dentist regarding the organic product or produce that you are going to use. Some fruits (like lemon and strawberries) might be too acidic and cause damage to your teeth.
