Teeth Whitening

Most of us are familiar with seeing a variety of teeth whitening products in the store, and may even know which dentists are the least expensive for certain teeth whitening procedures.
Undergoing a teeth whitening procedure can leave you with subtle results or a more radiant smile, depending on the products and procedure. Many people feel that having whiter teeth is beneficial for their aesthetic appearance.

Today, there don’t seem to be too many people that haven’t had some form of teeth whitening procedure done already! The amount of people who are either purchasing a commercial teeth whitening product to do at home or visiting their dentist for a teeth whitening treatment has grown exponentially.

Are They Safe?

Most people seem to assume that the entire teeth whitening process is safe and without side effects.

There are so many different kinds of whitening products at every pharmacy and supermarket, available over the counter that it is easy to see why this assumption has been made.

Just because these products are available without a prescription and used in the comfort of your own home, doesn’t mean that caution is not required. There are health risks to take into consideration each time you use any of these whitening treatments and it is important to read the fine print prior to using them.

Are There Side Effects?

Many of these treatments do come with some potential side effects. For example, certain professional treatments may cause discomfort or pain in the teeth that can linger for many hours after the procedure is completed.

This side effect is especially common with individuals who already suffer from a high degree of tooth sensitivity. If you do know you have some sensitivity issues, it is important to discuss this with your dentist prior to committing to a treatment.

Your dentist has a variety of whitening options available and therefore, some of them will be better to use for those dealing with sensitivity.

Also, be warned that you may experience a bluish tint on the surface of your teeth, uneven whiteness in the teeth or possibly feel irritation in your gum area. Thankfully, these side effects are quite uncommon and typically dissipate after some time.

One of the more potentially serious issues of a teeth whitening procedure is suffering from internal damage resulting from the whitening substance seeping into a cracked tooth or a cavity. In these instances, it is possible that medication may be used to treat the issue; however, you will more than likely need to undergo a root canal to fix the situation.
Home Teeth Whitening Treatments

Prior to utilizing any home treatments, it is recommended that you first check with your dentist, particularly if you have any kind of dental work such as fillings, or crowns.

If you have gingivitis or any form of gum disease, having your teeth whitened will make the redness look even worse if you have not corrected the disease first.

Be sure to have a thorough discussion with your dentist and go over any questions or concerns you have. They will be able to recommend the best options for you.