ERS news articles

Don't DIY

July 2015

We're in the age of lightning-fast Internet, and with that comes easy access to many things - including DIY videos.

DIY (do it yourself) tutorials can be blessings for quick and easy solutions, and it seems like there's a DIY for almost everything now. Simply search and you can patch a cracked tile or recreate your favorite skincare scrub. But with the hundreds of helpful DIYs come the scary ones. There are some things that shouldn't be done yourself, especially when it comes to your dental care!

At-home teeth whitening is a popular tutorial on Pinterest and YouTube, but we want to remind our members to be cautious when whitening your teeth at home. DIY whitening is great for your wallet because these tutorials often use inexpensive ingredients found around the home, but these ingredients can be harmful if used incorrectly.

Among one of the popular tutorials is one that calls for lemon juice and baking soda. This gives the teeth a temporary whiteness and removes surface stains, but this concoction is terrible for your dental health! Lemon juice is highly acidic and can weaken the enamel. Remember, your tooth enamel cannot be replaced or repaired! This can even make your teeth more prone to cavities. This combined with baking soda can be very damaging to your teeth, as the harsh, grainy texture is too abrasive for the enamel.

Teeth whitening under the care and supervision of your dentist is the safest route and will give the best results. We know that teeth whitening and other cosmetic procedures can be expensive, and our State of Texas Dental Discount Plan can help with that cost. Sign up for the State of Texas Dental Discount Plan during Summer Enrollment, going on now! This discount plan can help you save on cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, as well as save you 20% to 60% off of your next dental bill for a low monthly fee. Call us toll-free at (844) 377-3368 for assistance, or click here to search for a provider near you, schedule your appointment and save.