Social media can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a great way to share information. On the other hand, it’s a great way to spread around misinformation. On any given day you might see a friend reposting information that they are sure is true. It’s the old, “I got this news from a friend of my brother’s ex-wife’s cousin’s daughter so it must be true!” Some of the things floating around might be related to dentistry, and your Palatine cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, just wants you to be aware that if you have any doubt, you should consult with a professional regarding cosmetic dental questions. Here’s one example: a recent post floating around on Facebook that claimed you could attain “snow white” teeth with very little effort.
Misleading Internet Information
The post in question had very drastic before and after pictures, which are likely to suck you in, but not likely to be a true representation of the claims being made. The recipe for ultra-white teeth called for store-bought hydrogen peroxide (at a 3% concentration) mixed with baking soda and water. This recommendation would achieve approximately 6.7% carbamide peroxide which is well less than what you would be exposed to with professional whitening gels from your dentist that contain similar compounds. Furthermore, this particular viral DIY whitening instruction suggested that you would merely have to brush your teeth with this mixture once each week.
Professional At-Home Teeth Whitening
While you can certainly achieve some minor whitening with a peroxide-baking soda mixture, it wouldn’t work with this limited of an application. The concern with something like this (which does not involve supervision of a dentist) is that if you use a homemade remedy too often (because you aren’t seeing the promised results) you can actually damage your teeth. Our at-home whitening kits include customized trays that will allow the bleaching gel to safely remain in contact with your teeth for 20 minutes each day – much more than a once-a-week brief brushing as recommended in the Facebook post. It is also a mixture that your Palatine cosmetic dentist will have approved of, so you know that your smile will become white while remaining safe.
Teeth Whitening from Palatine Cosmetic Dentist
When in doubt, call your Palatine cosmetic dentist. Dr. Engelberg can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. To schedule a consultation, call our 60201 dentist office at 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
