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Tooth Whitening: What’s Safe and What to Avoid

by Mary

In an iconic Friends episode, Ross hilariously ruins his date by overdoing his teeth whitening, resulting in an unnaturally bright smile. While the scene is comedic, it reflects a real-life trend that’s become popular thanks to social media influencers and celebrities. Today, many are seeking the perfect white smile, using various whitening techniques.

However, according to Ronald Perry, a professor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM), achieving a glow-in-the-dark smile like Ross is virtually impossible. In fact, frequent whitening treatments may not even produce the results people expect. Worse, some DIY whitening methods could damage your teeth.

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Perry explains, “The problem with over-whitening is that as your teeth get whiter, they become more translucent and may even turn gray. You’re essentially bleaching out the enamel, making it brittle.”

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For some people, the desire for a whiter smile can become obsessive. “I’ve had patients who are never satisfied, no matter how white their teeth get,” Perry notes. “Even if they’re in pain, they’ll keep going. This has become more common in recent years.”

Perry advises moderation: “It’s okay to whiten, but not excessively.”

In some cases, whitening might not even be the best solution. Perry shares, “Many people come to me for whitening, but they already have very white teeth. The real issue is often crooked or chipped teeth, which can make a smile look less appealing.” In these situations, dentists may suggest other treatments like braces or bonding.

Additionally, the dazzling white smiles seen on TV or social media may not even be the result of whitening. They could be from veneers, crowns, or even edited photos with filters.

Perry emphasizes the importance of understanding what works, what’s safe, and what could potentially harm your teeth when considering tooth whitening.

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