Whether you’re an avid coffee drinker, tea connoisseur, or wine fanatic (or you’re simply battling an aging smile), yellow teeth are a common but annoying effect of your everyday lifestyle. Yellow teeth don’t always mean your oral health is suffering. Some of our favorite foods and drinks can cause set-in stains that aren’t easy to eradicate with brushing alone.
Thankfully, teeth whitening is safe for just about everyone. When performed at home, teeth whitening can last for weeks or months and poses little risk to your teeth. When performed by a dentist in Howell, MI, the effects can last for years. In either case, some mistakes can make this safe and routine procedure a little bit more dangerous for your teeth.
Over-the-counter kits are carefully crafted to avoid high enough doses of chemical whitening that you could accidentally hurt yourself. Even still, not following the directions exactly as they appear on the box could come with some side effects.
You might think that leaving your whitening strips on for an extra few hours will just give you better results. Unfortunately, leaving your at-home whitening on can chemically burn your gums and make your teeth ultra-sensitive.
If you consistently abuse certain whitening techniques, you may permanently damage the enamel and strength of your teeth.
If tooth whitening can cause sensitivity in healthy gums, imagine the pain for someone who already has sensitive gums or teeth. If you have these conditions, be sure to talk to your dentist about whether teeth whitening is safe for you:
● Gum disease
● Receding gums
● Previous restorations, including crowns, fillings, bridges
● Peroxide allergies
● Sensitive teeth
In addition to these conditions, pregnant and lactating women and children under the age of 16 should not whiten their teeth.
A National Institute of Health (NIH) review of current research confirms that teeth whitening is safe when proper procedure is followed. However this study and the American Dental Association (ADA) cite some of the effects of improper usage, including:
● Prolonged sensitivity
● Inflammation of the pulp
● Irritated, inflamed gums
● Damaged tooth enamel
These effects may be more severe in proportion to the concentration of peroxide bleach, the duration of the treatment, and the frequency of treatment.
If you’re doing your own teeth whitening, it may be more difficult to tell when you’re overdoing it. Plus, if you’re suffering from an underlying condition like dry mouth, gingivitis, or tooth decay, you may be making the problem worse. Consult with your Howell, Michigan dentist before undergoing teeth whitening.
A plus? Professional teeth whitening is often safer and more effective. Your dentist should know your teeth and previous conditions. They can help you get the most out of your teeth whitening and keep you from damaging your teeth and gums.
If you’re looking to restore your smile and maintain healthy teeth, consult with our cosmetic dentist. We want to support your dental and oral health and help you feel more satisfied with your smile. You can call 517-300-9436 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment
We are proud to call Howell home, and happily provide the best quality dental work that Howell has to offer. At Sincere Smiles Dental, we are happy to help with any dental questions you might have.
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