November 21, 2018
What You Need To Know About Tooth Whitening
A bright, beautiful smile helps you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin. There are many people whose smiles are not as bright as they’d like.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, this guide is for you. Make sure you know what you’re doing before jumping in. You only get one set of teeth in life and it’s all too easy to damage them permanently.
Is teeth whitening safe?
There are numerous options available when it comes to whitening teeth – from bleaching kits and toothpastes, to in-chair treatments and holistic remedies. ‘However, it is important to remember that before trying anything, patients should consider whether the treatment is safe, approved and conducted correctly in clinical environment.
If you’re tempted to buy a whitening kit at your local pharmacy or big-box store, beware: teeth-whitening products come in various strengths. While many 20- to 30-minute trays or strips whiten using hydrogen peroxide products, the concentration of those products can vary between 40 and only 3 percent. Make sure you know what you’re buying before you whiten on your own.
Whitening your teeth when you have gum disease, exposed roots, cavities, crooked teeth, gum recession, or other untreated issues can cause further pain and problems, plus you’ll have wasted your time and money since the whitening likely won’t take on damaged teeth. An ethical dentist will tell you this and not take your money before fixing problems first.
One common side effect of teeth whitening is sensitivity in the 24 hours after your teeth have been exposed to whitening gel. You can take a pain reliever like ibuprofen if the sensitivity is too much to bear.
Teeth are always yellowing as part of the aging process. They’re also always becoming stained by the foods and drinks we consume. No matter where or how you whiten your teeth, it won’t last forever. Most results last from 6 months up to 2 years, but it all depends on how easily your teeth stain as well as your diet.