With a plethora of information regarding teeth whitening available in the market, it's almost impossible to tell what is right and wrong. As a lay person with little experience when it comes to your pearly whites, what do you do? This guide debunks some tooth whitening misconceptions to help you make the best possible choice—leaving your whitening to trained professionals.

#1: Baking Soda Whitens Your Teeth Perfectly

Baking soda is one of the most versatile elements available. Not only is it used in cooking, but it also works to eliminate odours, clean counters and much more. While baking soda can be used to clean teeth, its chemical composition makes it abrasive against surfaces, including your teeth, which can damage the enamel over time. While it may remove stains at the surface, it will not be able to get rid of deeper stains. Since it doesn't really do the job of whitening deeply stained teeth and can potentially causing some damage, it is not a good idea to treat your teeth with baking soda at home. On the other hand, professional tooth whitening does not damage your enamel, and it removes deep discolourations.

#2: Over-The-Counter Whitening Kits Are As Effective As Professional Whitening

Many people mistakenly assume that over-the-counter whitening kits are just as effective as professional teeth whitening. Most over-the-counter kids have lower bleach levels and have certain limitations when it comes to ingredients. Teeth whitening administered by the dentist will not be subject to the same limitations. Your dentist will inspect the level of discolouration on your teeth and will use the right amount of bleach needed for your particular situation. The dentist also uses heat or light activations to ensure the whitening process is more effective, which you will not be able to do by yourself.

#3: Professional Whitening Is Permanent  

One of the biggest misconceptions people have is that professional whitening is permanent. When you undergo professional whitening, your teeth are treated with bleach and other chemicals that can soften your enamel. This means that they may be susceptible to further staining from habits like smoking and drinking tooth-staining beverages like coffee and red wine. If you go back to your old habits, the whitening effect will not last for long. If possible, try to get rid of poor oral habits and avoid foods that could stain your teeth soon after your treatment.

At the end of the day, it's always best to get your teeth whitened by a professional dentist if you're looking for the best results.