We all want to have beautiful, white teeth. It’s one of the first things that people notice about us, and it can affect our confidence and self-esteem. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths out there about teeth whitening.

Here at North Pointe Dental Associates, we are home to some of the best Tampa dentists specializing both in general and cosmetic dentistry. For this blog post, we asked them about the most common myths to dispel those myths and tell you the truth about teeth whitening.

Myth #01: Teeth whitening is only for people with yellow teeth.

The reality is that teeth whitening is for everyone. No matter what the color of your teeth, you can benefit from teeth whitening. If your teeth are yellow, brown, or even black, we can help you achieve the bright, white smile that you’ve always wanted.

10 Myths About Teeth Whitening: The Truth Revealed

Myth #02: Teeth whitening is painful.

This simply isn’t true! At North Pointe Dental Associates, we use the latest technology to make sure that your experience is as comfortable as possible. You may feel a slight tingling sensation during the procedure, but it should not be painful.

Myth #03: Teeth whitening is bad for your teeth.

WRONG! Teeth whitening is actually good for your teeth. It removes stains and plaque that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.

Myth #04: You have to give up coffee, tea, and red wine if you want to keep your teeth white.

You don’t have to give up your favorite beverages, but you should avoid drinking them right after you whiten your teeth. The best time to drink coffee, tea, or red wine is at least 30 minutes before or after you whiten your teeth.

Myth #05: You can buy the same products that dentists use for teeth whitening at the store.

The products that you can buy at the store are not as strong as the ones that we use at North Pointe Dental Associates. We use professional-grade products that are specifically designed for teeth whitening.

Myth #06: You have to get your teeth professionally whitened every few months.

If you take care of your teeth and avoid foods and drinks that can cause stains, you may only need to get your teeth professionally whitened once a year.

10 Myths About Teeth Whitening: The Truth Revealed

Myth #07: Teeth whitening is only for people who want to look good for their wedding day or a job interview.

While it’s true that many people choose to whiten their teeth before a big event, there’s no reason why you can’t whiten your teeth just because you want to look and feel your best.

Myth #08: You have to be over 18 to get your teeth professionally whitened.

There is no age limit for teeth whitening. We have successfully treated patients of all ages, from teenagers to seniors.

Myth #09: Teeth whitening is only for people with good oral hygiene.

It doesn’t matter how well you take care of your teeth – anyone can benefit from teeth whitening.

Myth #010: You can use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth at home.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are both corrosive, which means that they can damage the enamel on your teeth. We recommend that you avoid using these products for teeth whitening.

Schedule your next appointment today!

If you have any questions about teeth whitening or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact North Pointe Dental Associates today. We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions and help you achieve the beautiful, white smile that you’ve always wanted. Give us a call at  (813) 961-1727!