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Coffee, wine, sushi – these are the fruits of life. For some people, a morning cup of Joe is a necessity. For others, a glass of wine is a reward for a hardworking day. Some people like to smother their dragon rolls with soy sauce. What do all these people have in common? For starters, they all have a higher probability of having stained or discolored teeth. Because though these nectars of the gods taste so good, they come with a price. But fear not, we live in an age of dental innovation and there are a number of teeth whitening services out there that could resurrect your pearly whiteness once again.

The truth about teeth whitening is that it gets a bad rap, especially with all of those rumors circulating around the Internet. Well, we are here debunk those myths in the pursuit of whiteness.

Myth #1: Whitening Sabotages Enamel

While there are many over the counter products found at your local corner store that do, in fact, harm your gums and enamel, there are higher-grade teeth whitening products like Sheer White Teeth Whitening. This reliable 5-day whitening process consists of easy to use strips that shape to your teeth and are almost unnoticeable. Many people assume that teeth whitening will tear off the outer tooth layer, but in reality, it’s actually opening up the tooth pores to allow the medicine to slide in and do it’s good work. 

Myth #2: Crowns, Veneers and Caps Block Whitening

Also untrue. There are slick ways to ensure your dental work whitens in the same shade of white as the rest of your natural teeth. Be wary of peroxide-based whitening programs like whitening trays because your veneers and crowns may look uneven with the rest of your teeth. To preserve whiteness, use a straw to drink your coffee or try to brush after every snack. Coffee is certainly the tooth-killer, so be sure you are using the right preventative measures to make sure it doesn’t continue to rot your teeth. 

Myth #3: Teeth Whitening Lasts Forever

Yes it can last quite a while and for some it can last up to three years, but teeth whitening certainly is not forever. Many people get teeth whitening agents and then see that as an opportunity to stop brushing, flossing and get back into their bad cigarette habits. Coffee isn’t the only tooth killer. Nicotine is a sure-fire way to discolor your pearly whites. 

Myth #4: Rub Charcoal On Your Teeth for Whiteness

Have you seen photos on Instagram of people with black sludge on their teeth? These people aren’t barbaric animals, quite the opposite actually. They are simply trying to whiten their teeth with black charcoal, a new fad in the dental world. There’s simply not enough evidence to prove that charcoal actually works. Before you try it, do some research and make sure you aren’t just wasting your time or possibly causing damage. 

Myth #5: Brush Your Teeth With Fruit

This is no joke. There is a common myth that rubbing various fruits such as strawberries, lemons, even banana peels on your teeth will lead to a shine. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, not only is this a myth, but the acidity from these fruits will actually cause more damage with the wearing away of tooth enamel. So take it from us, brush your teeth the old fashioned way and not with produce. 

Myth #6: Teeth Whitening Hurts

If you do experience pain, then you should stop using that particular treatment. Some agents that come in the form of gels run the risk of oozing their way onto your gums, they will then begin to eat away at your gums and cause pain, instead of  eating away at the top, discolored layer of your teeth. That’s why it’s crucial that you keep these gels located only on your teeth. While pain isn’t associated with teeth whitening, a little bit of sensitivity sure is. But don’t let it scare you. It’s just the whitening magic doing its work. 

Myth #7: Teeth Whitening is for Everyone

The older we get the faster our enamel begins to thin, which makes it harder for our teeth to whiten. The inner yellow layer known as dentin begins to shine through in all its unpleasant yellowness. Teeth whitening is primarily designed to address those with yellow teeth but not for those who have the reverse effect of graying teeth. For that, you may be better suited for veneers if it’s whiteness that you seek. A qualified dentist will be able to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for teeth whitening.

Myth #8: Teeth Whitening is Too Expensive

If you’re on a budget, it’s doubtful that the first thing you will think about is dental work. There’s a common misconception that teeth whitening is a thing for the bourgeoisie class and while you can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on this service, there are plenty of affordable teeth whitening programs currently on the market and most of them can be implemented in the comfort of your own home. 

Myth #9: Teeth Whitening is Time Consuming

It’s one of the most common myths, but also one of the easiest to debunk. Teeth Whitening is not something that should interfere with your busy schedule. For starters, you can make the effort by buying a particular toothpaste and mouthwash that is made for purposes of whitening. With advanced whitening strips, you can go about your busy schedule while wearing them. If you’re a workaholic hustler, try to integrate teeth whitening as part of your daily hustle. It sure is worth it. 

Myth #10: The Internet Knows All

Finally, we reach the subject of the Internet. While you are in fact reading an Internet blog right now about teeth whitening, this world wide web is filled with unreliable bloggers, forums and upset people that were probably jipped or dealt a bad hand. Make sure that whatever source you read on teeth whitening is legitimate. When dealing with the state of your teeth, there’s no messing around.

In the end, it’s your dentist who will have the best advice. If you are ready to take the leap and start your journey on the long road towards whiteness, consult with your dentist today. And to read more dental blogs to stay in the know, click here.