Is DIY Teeth Whitening Safe? Pros, Cons & Best Practices

Want to lighten your smile without spending too much? DIY teeth whitening may sound appealing, but is it safe?

We all want that picture-perfect Hollywood smile and with social media and influencers, DIY teeth whitening is a growing trend. From baking soda mixtures to activated charcoal, the internet is full of promises for a bright smile in your own home. So how do you know what’s what?

Before you jump into the world of DIY teeth whitening, let’s dig into the facts about DIY teeth whitening, the good, the bad and the ugly and what dentists recommend.

The Teeth Whitening Craze: Why Everyone’s Doing It

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments today. In a selfie and Zoom call-driven world, having white teeth feels nearly equivalent to being confident and healthy. With the availability of store-bought products and DIY methods, getting whiter teeth is easier than ever. However, easier doesn’t always equate to safe. There is certainly a plethora of DIY teeth whitening options out there—but how do they stack up against professional treatment in terms of safety and effectiveness?

What Is DIY Teeth Whitening?

“DIY teeth whitening” is the use of home remedies or non-professional products that can whiten teeth. The effectiveness and the risks vary widely, and they may be made up of any or all of the following:

• Baking soda and lemon juice mixtures: Which are recommended as a home remedy, are extremely abrasive.
  
• Hydrogen peroxide rinses: In low concentrations hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth, but overuse may be damaging to gums and enamel.
  
• Activated charcoal scrubs: If it absorbs stains, it is believed it will whiten teeth. Nevertheless, activated charcoal is gritty and leaving it on the surface for long periods of time could be damaging to enamel over time.
  
• Whitening strips and gels: These are made with a concentrated paste of hydrogen peroxide and can be effective as a whitener if used properly.
  
• Coconut oil pulling: Promoted as a natural oral remedy, but only has mild whitening effects.

Many of the recommendations for DIY teeth whitening result in some level of teeth whitening. However, the results, as well as the health risks to you, vary significantly based on the product, frequency of use, and your specific mouth, teeth and gum health.

Pros of DIY Teeth Whitening

Let’s look at the DIY teeth whitening pros that attract so many to try it:

1. Cost Effective Solutions

Almost every DIY method costs less than professional treatment methods, which can cost hundreds of dollars. Household items like coconut oil, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide are inexpensive and incredibly easy to find.

2. Flexible Scheduling

You can do whatever DIY method you like whenever you want right from the comfort of your own home. You don’t need to book a dentist appointment and you won’t waste half your day at a dentist office. This convenience can be a huge selling point.

3. Use of Natural Ingredients

When you are looking at DIY whitening methods such as oil pulling and baking soda scrubs, most of these methods promote the use of natural or organic ingredients. This is advantageous for those wanting to avoid using synthetic chemicals. It can also tie in with other holistic health practices.

4. Immediate Availability

You don’t need a prescription for most DIY kits; you don’t need to book a consultation. You can find most over the counter products. You can also find a lot of DIY remedies online.

Cons of DIY Teeth Whitening

Despite the appeal, DIY teeth whitening cons should not be ignored:

1. Risk of Enamel Damage

There are many homemade concoctions that include acids or abrasives. For example, lemon juice is very acidic and over time can cause the enamel on your teeth to dissolve, resulting in teeth that are sensitive and more prone to decay.

2. Gum Inflammation

If you are using these homemade techniques incorrectly or using a very strong ingredient like a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide, you could experience inflammation, burning, or ulcers in your gums.

3. Different people get different results

The results of at-home methods vary greatly from person to person, and without a professional, it is difficult to predict. Some individuals see major changes within days, while others see little to no changes. The inconsistency can be frustrating. 

4. No consideration for your dental history

Using at-home methods does not consider your personal dental history. If you have fillings, crowns, or veneers, these won’t turn white the same way as your natural teeth will.

How Safe Is DIY Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening can be safe if done correctly, but DIY methods carry inherent risks. Safety depends on:

• The ingredient used
  
• The method of application
  
• Frequency and duration of use
  
• The individual’s dental health
  

Dentists often caution against frequent use of abrasive or acidic substances. The general consensus is that occasional and careful use of approved whitening products is acceptable, but improper use can lead to long-term issues.

Best Practices for Safe DIY Teeth Whitening

If you decide to try it, follow these tips to stay safe:

1. Use ADA Approved Products

Products that have the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA) are designed for safety and effectiveness. When selecting whitening toothpaste, gels or strips, choose an ADA approved product! 

2. Do Not Over Whiten

Follow the suggested regimen. Over whitening may strip enamel, worsening tooth sensitivity and hurting your gum tissues.

3. Talk To Your Dentist First

Even if you intend to do it yourself, a dental check-up is encouraged first. Consult your dentist about the safest whitening method for your current dental status and your dental history.

4. Avoid Abrasive Ingredients

Don’t use any products that include ingredients that are abrasive like salt, baking soda and lemon or activated charcoal scrubs, they can wear away your enamel after prolonged use.

5. Follow Directions Carefully

Whether you are using strips or hydrogen peroxide, follow the usage directions provided carefully. Do not exceed the usage time or frequency.

When Should You Skip DIY and Go Pro?

There are situations where DIY whitening isn’t advisable. Avoid at-home whitening if you have:

• Sensitive teeth or gums
  
• Gum disease or cavities
  
• Dental restorations like crowns, bridges, or veneers (they don’t whiten like natural teeth)
  
• Deep, intrinsic stains from medication or trauma
  

In these cases, professional whitening supervised by a dentist is the safest and most effective choice.

Are Natural Whitening Remedies Worth It?

Natural remedies have the potential to offer marginal improvements compared to toxic chemicals. They are typically safe. However, they are not a perfect solution. Some examples are:

• Oil pulling with coconut oil may help with overall oral hygiene and slightly reduce stains.
  
• Baking soda can gently lift some surface stains but should not be used daily.
  
• Strawberry and baking soda paste is a popular fad method with mild abrasiveness and little results.

All of these options are a great routine but more of an adjunct to whitening.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Risk?

Teeth whitening can be done at home and can be successful, but it can also be risky. If you decide to do this, use common sense. Use a product that is approved by a dentist, avoid strong or acidic cleansers, and most importantly – do not expect overnight results. 

A bright, white smile is something to be desired, but not at the expense of your oral health. If you are unsure, consult with a professional to find the safest and best teeth-whitening option for your smile.

Download our Safe Whitening Guide & book a pro whitening session.

FAQs

1. Can I use baking soda on my teeth every day to whiten my teeth?

No, baking soda is abrasive, and if you use it every day, it will wear away enamel. You should only use it once or even twice a week. 

2. Are whitening strips safe? 

Yes if used correctly and in moderation. Look for products that have the ADA seal of acceptance for added safety.

3. What natural way of teeth whitening is the safest? 

Oil pulling with coconut oil is very non-abrasive and may help with overall oral hygiene, but will not really whiten teeth.

4. How long does it take to see results when using a DIY method? 

Results will vary depending on the DIY method you use. Some over-the-counter products will show results in a few days. Some natural ways may take weeks.

5. Is professional whitening better than DIY whitening? 

Yes. Especially if you want to see results quickly, safely, and maintain the results. A professional can provide treatment based on your dental situation and minimize any risks.