Dentist Luiza Avtandilyan, founder of the Smilestudio clinic, explained to socialbites.ca that home whitening should be approached with caution and restraint. She emphasized that the best results come from professional guidance and a personalized plan, rather than DIY methods. Her message is simple: protect the enamel and avoid shortcuts that can lead to longer-term damage.
According to Avtandilyan, overusing whitening toothpastes is not advisable. She recommends limiting their use to a few times per week at most, especially when those pastes rely on strong polishing particles and chemical agents. In practice, this means alternating such products with gentler formulations and focusing on overall oral hygiene between whitening efforts. The goal is to maintain a healthy baseline while progressively improving brightness through safer means.
She notes that products with a high level of abrasiveness (an indicator over 120) often rely on urea peroxide as a bleaching agent paired with gritty polishing particles. While these components can mechanically remove surface plaque and stains, they pose a real risk to enamel when used too frequently. Avtandilyan advises using them no more than once or twice a week. On the other days, remineralizing toothpaste or a standard hygienic toothpaste is typically a wiser choice to support enamel strength and protect tooth structure.
The expert also warned against the use of citric acid in whitening products. Although citric acid can produce a temporary lightening effect of about 1–2 shades, this change is often short-lived and can come at a high cost. Under prolonged exposure to acidic formulations, tooth enamel can become porous and more prone to wear. Avtandilyan pointed out that excessive use may lead to extreme sensitivity and even pain, with the surface layer of enamel at risk of erosion if the practice is continued without professional oversight.
Baking soda, another common home remedy, was highlighted as potentially harmful. The powder form, when applied during brushing, can create micro-scratches on the enamel surface. These tiny imperfections are not always noticeable to a person, yet they can trigger discomfort and heightened sensitivity to cold or hot stimuli, as dentinal tubules become exposed and more reactive. The cumulative effect of repeated friction can undermine enamel integrity over time.
To minimize risk, Avtandilyan recommends seeking a clinician-guided whitening session in a clinic where specialists can assess enamel thickness, tooth shade, and bite dynamics. In addition to professional whitening, she suggests using at-home kits that are specifically designed for safe, gradual improvement and come with instructions from a dental professional. This approach balances results with the protection of tooth surfaces, ensuring that whitening aligns with an individual’s oral health goals and long-term durability.
For those who prefer ongoing maintenance between in-office visits, the dentist underscored the value of sound dietary habits, proper brushing technique, and regular dental checkups. She stressed that a comprehensive plan often yields better outcomes than aggressive, single-method attempts. A clinician can tailor a regimen to the patient’s enamel condition, staining level, and lifestyle, reducing the likelihood of adverse effects while still achieving noticeable brightness over time.
Ultimately, the takeaway is clear: whitening should be a measured part of a broader oral health strategy. Consulting a professional ensures that the chosen method is appropriate for the individual’s enamel health and aesthetic goals. This prevents unintended consequences and supports a brighter smile in a safe, controlled manner. The Mediterranean diet, while not a whitening product, can complement a healthy lifestyle by providing balanced nutrition that supports gum and tooth health in the long term.