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What Your Dentist *Really* Thinks About At-Home Whitening Kits

woman brushing her teeth in the mirror

Who doesn’t want a smile full of pearly whites? But lately, your morning coffee (and evening wine) habit has left those chompers looking kind of dull. Could an at-home whitening kit restore their sparkle?

“DIY whitening kits are generally useless,” says Beverly Hills, California, dentist Dr. Matt Nejad. “The only one I would use is Crest Whitestrips, but even that has limitations, such as difficulty whitening between the teeth, which can result in dark stains remaining in that area.”

Not only that, but going the DIY route could also do some serious damage. “Bleaching your teeth with over-the-counter products can lead to thinning enamel, gum irritation and recession, and sensitive teeth,” Dr. Steven Davidowitz tells us.

For a mouth full of pearly whites, make an appointment with your dentist instead.


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Executive Editor

Alexia Dellner is an executive editor at PureWow who has over ten years of experience covering a broad range of topics including health, wellness, travel, family, culture and...