Teeth Whitening in San Antonio, TX and the Dangers of DIY Whitening Hacks
Teeth whitening is one of the most in-demand procedures nowadays since it can provide visibly brighter teeth in a short amount of time. With its popularity, various products, brands, and kits emerged that promises excellent results. Even people from thousands of years ago came up with different techniques and solutions to make their teeth whiter since it was a sign of wealth or power. The techniques they developed may have been effective, but it offers more harm than benefits.
As the years went by different solutions were experimented to come up with the most effective teeth whitening procedure. It should be effective without causing any harm to the teeth, oral structures, and especially to the patient. It was when a dentist was experimenting with the cures of gum disease and infections that a peroxide-based solution was discovered. Not only does it offer positive reaction with the gums, but it also slightly whiten the teeth.
At Thousand Oaks Dental, we offer Professional Teeth Whitening procedures despite the high popularity of over the counter take-home kits we believe that they do not provide sufficient results and safety. The procedures we offer are meticulously performed by our dental professionals to ensure effective, safe, and comfortable treatment for the overall wellness of all our patients.
The Dangers of DIY Whitening Hacks
Over the counter, kits can be readily purchased in drugstores and online stores, but some people prefer to create DIY hacks. Dentists do not recommend these practices since it can cause harm to the teeth, oral structures, or even the overall health of a patient. Here are some examples:
- A mixture of baking soda and lemon water. Acidic substances like lemon water can erode the enamel which makes the teeth prone to tooth decay. Mixing this acidic substance with a mild abrasive ingredient like baking soda only increases the chances of having tooth decay that can result in cavities.
- Turmeric powder mixed with melted coconut oil. Since teeth can be porous and turmeric is often used as a natural food coloring, using it for teeth whitening can cause more stains than having whiter teeth.
- Oil pulling using coconut oil. The American Dental Association do not recommend the use of this hack due to insufficient evidence. There are even some reports that it caused diarrhea and upset stomach after its use.
- Brushing the teeth after rubbing apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has an acidic property that can cause harm to the teeth’s enamel. Brushing afterward can even make the effects worse since the enamel is still weak after the contact to an acidic substance.
Anyone would want to have whiter teeth, thankfully dental offices like Thousand Oaks Dental offers Professional Teeth Whitening procedures. It is guaranteed to provide a highly effective, safe, and comfortable treatment compared to DIY hacks or kits.
Give your smile a boost! Book an appointment with Thousand Oaks Dental and check out our Teeth Whitening in San Antonio, TX. We are located at 2235 Thousand Oaks Dr. Suite 120 San Antonio, TX 78232.
It’s appropriate that we look to Martin Luther King Jr. for our dental inspiration this month. One of our favorite quotes from him is:
Have you made your wish list for the holidays yet? Electronics are always a fun gift to receive. The technological advancements are so fun to discover. Wanting an updated phone? What do you think about getting things you need as a gift? Sometimes it’s more exciting to get something that you want over something that you need. Did you know that straight teeth can qualify as something that you should both need and want? 
At Thousand Oaks Dental, we treat our patients with different forms of 
World Smile Day is on October 6th this year. Were you aware that this was even a day? We were surprised to learn that is was as well. Apparently an artist named Harvey Ball created the famous smiley face in 1963. He created the signature smiley face for an insurance company who wanted to help boost the company’s morale. From that small start, it became a household symbol of happiness. Mr. Ball created the World Smile Day to combat the commercialization of his smiley creation. His hope was that this day would encourage people to do acts of kindness, or help someone smile. 
At Thousand Oaks Dental, Dr.Thompson offers many cosmetic dentistry options with you in mind. She offers services such as veneers, porcelain crowns, composite fillings, teeth whitening and cosmetic bonding. Each of these options are designed for her patients to enjoy a smile that satisfies their expectations of what a proper smile should look like.
At Thousand Oaks Dental, we celebrate all of our patients’ unique needs. We know that every person that comes through our doors has attributes and gifts that make our world a more beautiful place. We’re thankful for each of you.
At Thousand Oaks Dental, we’d like to wish you a very happy Independence Day on July 4th. How do you usually celebrate on July 4th? We hope your day is filled with many friends, family, and yummy foods! Celebrating this day in the United States is an important thing. It’s a way to remember and be grateful for our independence as a nation.
I, Dr. Thompson, am proud to live and work in the great city of San Antonio. It’s an honor and joy to serve in a community filled with people who make our culture rich and friendly. I love opportunities to do community outreach to help enrich the place where we live. How can I not want to give back to such a great city that signifies the “Come And Take It” attitude of our history at the Alamo?