Beauty Tips

When Beauty Treatments Backfire

We are all suckers for beauty treatments that promise a quick fix to our biggest dilemmas. But are the risks worth it? Find out

by Sharon J. Yi

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The quick fix: Laser teeth whitening To make your pearly whites even whiter, a bleaching gel is applied to your teeth and a laser is used to help that gel penetrate your enamel. The laser generates heat to open the teeth's pores so the bleaching gel can work its magic. While the procedure works well -- one visit to the dentist is usually all it takes for a much brighter smile -- the laser removes the natural fuzzy coating on your teeth, making them more susceptible to staining. "Consuming colored foods and drinks such as red wine, coffee, or red pasta sauce within that first 24 hours of laser teeth whitening is [a bad idea]," says Dr. Timothy Chase of SmilesNY in New York City. Why? Because the pores of your teeth are open, the color from that food will seep deeply into them, causing severe staining."

What's more, the heat generated by the laser can "cause gum damage and burning of the mouth tissue," says Forouzanpour. There's also a good chance you'll have high teeth sensitivity for a couple of days after the treatment.

The better option: LED teeth whitening and brushing with peroxide
With LED teeth whitening, you don't get the discomfort or the no-colored-food-for-24-hours mandate that comes with laser whitening. That's because unlike the laser, LED doesn't create any heat or open your teeth's enamel.

To prevent daily stains from accumulating, Forouzanpour suggests brushing your teeth with a spoonful of hydrogen peroxide before brushing with toothpaste. "You'll see the peroxide bubble and fizz, which is a sign that it's gently removing any stains that you may have accumulated during the day." Worried about swallowing some of that nasty-tasting stuff? Forouzanpour says even if you swallow some of the peroxide, it won't have any adverse effects. After a couple weeks of nightly brushing, you should see a difference.

SEE NEXT PAGE: The quick fix: Taking diet pills

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Older comments

yikes!

by LittleBunny Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 11:10AM Report as inappropriate

I Could never wax anything!

by EricaC123 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 04:21PM Report as inappropriate

nice tips

by aishak55 Friday, December 21, 2012 at 06:43PM Report as inappropriate

Good tips! People need to remember that fillers are very temporary as well.

by robyne00 Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 12:26PM Report as inappropriate

These are all common sense tips that women should definitely make sure they are careful with!! Do not mess up and ruin your beautiful face and body!

by Lamexicana1 Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 07:29PM Report as inappropriate

peroxide might be a safer option, it takes a while...

by lilas Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 03:43PM Report as inappropriate

THE QUICK FIX: DYING YOUR EYEBROWS - i think someone actually meant DYEING. If your eyebrows are dying, then they are approaching the end of their life.

by lilinah Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 08:36PM Report as inappropriate

i try to get rid of pimple by putting toothpaste on it, only to be backfire. i wake up with really red and huge ball in my forehead. (sigh)

by hazr_rayn_hashim Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 09:23AM Report as inappropriate

yikes! just eat right and exercise!

by LittleBunny Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 11:08AM Report as inappropriate

I don't think I would do any of these things other than eat right and exercise. I already pluck my brows (carefully). Getting them colored is a waste - I use makeup to match my hair color as the brow color doesn't last (mine grow to fast).

by Taylerbootz Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 11:27AM Report as inappropriate