A bright, confident smile is something we all want—but when it comes to teeth whitening, the internet is full of bad advice. From DIY hacks to misleading marketing claims, it’s easy to fall for misinformation that can waste your money—or worse, harm your teeth.
At Newfound Smile, we believe in safe, effective, and professional care. That’s why we’re setting the record straight on some of the most common teeth whitening myths we hear from patients.
1. Baking Soda Can Whiten Your Teeth
We see this one everywhere—but does it really work? Not quite. While baking soda is mildly abrasive and can remove surface stains, it doesn’t change the colour of your teeth. Overuse can actually wear down your enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to stains in the long run.
👉 What works? A professional whitening treatment that lifts deep stains without damaging your enamel.
2. Rinsing with Hydrogen Peroxide is a Safe Way to Whiten Teeth
Hydrogen peroxide is an active ingredient in professional whitening gels—but using it straight from the bottle? Bad idea. When it comes into direct contact with your gums and tissues, it can cause free radical reactions (the same reactions that speed up aging).
Over time, this can lead to gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, and even damage to your oral tissues.
3. Whitening Toothpaste and Whitening Gum Actually Work
It’s tempting to believe that a simple toothpaste or gum can give you a Hollywood smile, but the reality is… they don’t.
Whitening toothpaste can help with surface stains, but it doesn’t contain strong enough ingredients to truly change the colour of your teeth. And whitening gum? You’d have to chew it for hours to see any effect!
4. Professional Whitening Gel is the Same as Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits
Not all whitening gels are created equal!
Professional whitening gels contain higher concentrations of active ingredients—which means they work faster and deliver better, longer-lasting results than drugstore kits. Plus, with a professional treatment, you get the added benefit of expert supervision to ensure safety and minimize sensitivity.
5. The Strongest Whitening Gel is Always the Best
Stronger doesn’t always mean better! While high-concentration gels can whiten teeth faster, they also increase the risk of tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
A gentler approach—like a customized, professional whitening plan—can achieve the same bright results while keeping your teeth healthy and comfortable.
6. Once You Whiten Your Teeth, They Stay White Forever
Wouldn’t that be nice? Unfortunately, it’s not true.
While professional whitening can create dramatic, long-lasting results, your teeth will still gradually accumulate stains from coffee, wine, and aging.
The best way to keep your smile bright? Occasional touch-ups with custom whitening trays and maintaining good oral hygiene.
7. Natural Remedies Like Strawberries & Lemon Juice Whiten Teeth
Yes, acids in strawberries and lemons can temporarily lighten stains—but at a huge cost. These acidic fruits eat away at your enamel, permanently weakening your teeth and making them more prone to discolouration in the future.
If you love your teeth, skip the DIY hacks and choose a safe, professional dental hygienist whitening method.
8. Crowns & Veneers Can Be Whitened
If you have crowns, veneers, or bonding, you might be wondering—can they be whitened too?
The truth is, whitening gels only work on natural teeth. If your restorations don’t match your desired shade, the only solution is to replace them with a lighter color.
So, What’s the Best Way to Whiten Your Teeth?
Forget the myths—if you want a safe, effective, and long-lasting teeth whitening solution, the best choice is professional whitening.
At Newfound Smile, we offer expert-led whitening treatments designed to:
✔ Brighten your smile without damaging your enamel
✔ Minimize sensitivity while delivering powerful results
✔ Provide long-lasting whitening with a customized approach
📅 Ready for a brighter smile? Book your professional whitening appointment today!
Your smile is one of your greatest assets—don’t trust it to myths!
