Thousands of people visit their dentist each year for teeth whitening services; however, many individuals put off asking for these procedures due to myths and misconceptions floating around. The dental office of Nicholas J. Hurley, D.D.S., P.A. in Thomasville, NC, wants to ensure everyone who wants a brighter, healthier smile can get one.

To do this, they’d like to state the truth about a few misconceptions people have about teeth whitening:

• It Does Not Treat the Intrinsic Color of Teeth: While the whitening toothpaste you use on a daily basis is only able to remove the extrinsic stains on your teeth, actual teeth whitening treatments correct stains set deep inside your teeth. Also, having this procedure performed every six months or so is much less abrasive to your enamel than regularly using whitening toothpaste.
• Bleaching Is Dangerous to the Teeth: Both experiments and clinical studies have confirmed that when dentists apply an industry-standard, neutral pH formula, there is no reason to worry about harmful side effects to teeth. Additionally, the UV light used in the process poses no health risks.
• It Is Too Painful: While some patients might have some sensitivity to the procedure, there are usually options available to make it as comfortable as possible. If you are worried about tooth sensitivity, talk to your dentist about the methods they can offer to limit this sensation.
• Effects Quickly Fade: Although teeth whitening effects do not last forever, they can last up to a year (or more, in some cases) when you take care of your teeth. This should involve rinsing your mouth after every meal, limiting staining pigments — such as those found in cigarettes, coffee, wine, and tea — and using water jets to keep teeth clean between dental checkups.

Now that you know more about misconceptions that may have been preventing you from having a whiter smile, contact the office of Nicholas J. Hurley, D.D.S., P.A. today to schedule your teeth whitening appointment. Call them at (336) 476-1109, or visit their website for more information about their dental procedures.