Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Over the years, decades even, there has been a trend toward whitening yellow or dull looking teeth. Bleaching the teeth has been attempted with the use of some home remedies, and over the counter products that were claiming to whiten the teeth easily. I have tried several of these products, and only noticed a slight insignificant change.
It becomes a frustrating struggle to get the teeth whiter by using every advertised product designed for this purpose. It is not uncommon for people to want to have pearly white teeth regardless of their age. The usual problem with discolored teeth is stains due to some of the drinks that are consumed.
Coffee and tea are general culprits as millions are avid coffee and tea drinkers. This will allow the teeth to become gradually discolored over time without immediate notice. I was in my early thirties when I first noticed that my teeth were not as white as they once were.
They had a beige hue which I realized was probably due to drinking dark liquids. Once the color of the teeth start to change, they will not get white again without the help of a bleach teeth whitener. This is more successfully done by a dentist although I am among the masses who prefer to try to whiten on my own by trying different bleaching products.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
The teeth whitening industry has been a steadily growing business, and there are many products available. Whether the choice is treatment from the dentist or doing a self treatment from the many over the counter products, there are some precautions to consider.
Teeth whitening can be as safe as washing your hands. Before getting started with any treatment, it is best to see a dentist first. There may be a cavity or other tooth damage that may not be apparent.
The dentist will always inform you if it is safe to use a whitening product. Dentists like the ones at TrustaDoc are experts at guiding their patients through the teeth whitening process, and will inform you of any downside to using over the counter whitening strips or gels. The strips are sticky, and the gels are in trays, but they both contain hydrogen peroxide.
These products are available in most stores over the counter, and have done good jobs on removing stains from teeth and lightening them. The other side of this coin is that hydrogen peroxide can damage the proteins in the dentin layer of teeth. Under the surface enamel of the teeth is hard tissue which is called Dentin.
Although the sticky strips and the gels may not be abrasive, they can damage or wear down the teeth after extensive usage of them for whitening the teeth. To remain in the levels of safety, always see the dentist before and during self teeth whitening treatments, and get the entire truth on teeth whitening safety.
Are There Side Effects to Teeth Whitening?
Side effects are not very common when whitening teeth, but they can occur. It is not easy to predict what might happen, but we do know that having the facts about the condition of your teeth before you begin to whiten them will help you prevent any danger or damage to the teeth. It is important to follow the directions on the product label precisely before starting the do a whitening treatment routine.
You want to know how you can keep your smile and teeth healthy and safe. You must take the time to shop around for the best product for you. The carbamide peroxide in the products could range from 10 to 20 percent, and this could be very important if the teeth show signs of sensitivity, or there are issues with the gums.
You should start with a range somewhere in between the 10 and 20 level. If after using it, you do not get the desired results, then you could go a little higher with the peroxide level. Any side effects will become evident early on into the whitening treatment. Stop using it to see if the issue disappears. If it does not, you should see a dentist immediately to avoid any further conditions.
The Damage That Can Occur With Teeth Whitening
Tooth health can be damaged by teeth whitening. It could soften the surface of the teeth, or roughen it. These changes could be temporary, and reverse once the at home treatment ends.
It is not clear if this could have a long term affect on the overall health of teeth. Any changes in normal teeth such as bonding and dental crowns whether composite or porcelain will not whiten. If the teeth are whitened with these additions, the smile may appear uneven because the teeth around them will be the only ones that will whiten.
Replacing crowns and fillings may be necessary to even out the look. There may also be some mild sensitivity issues after whitening, but this is usually a short term condition especially if the teeth and gums are healthy before treatment is started. The gums can be bothered by the gel filled trays that fit over the teeth just as a mouth guard does.
This issue can be remedied by stopping the use of the product. Once the teeth are softened by whitening products, and the enamel is decreased, it is very difficult to fix this problem without the assistance of the dentist. Gum conditions may not be as noticeable, and could cause extreme damage if a dentist is not consulted.
Hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening products have been used for many decades for do it yourself whitening, and by most dentists. It is true that there could be tooth fractures and increased cavity risks after bleaching, but the America Dental Association assures that hydrogen peroxide whitening bleaches are safe and effective. Be sure to use products with the American Dental Association seal of approval on it, and follow the accompanying instructions.
Visit the dentist for regular checkups, and prior to beginning a whitening treatment, and pay close attention to the teeth. In their own way, the teeth will let us know when something is wrong. Using teeth whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide is no substitute for good dental hygiene.
Although they may get whiter than white, visiting the dentist is the best way to know whether or not the teeth could possibly need professional whitening treatments, or if they will do well with the over the counter products. Healthy teeth are the best way to ensure a healthy smile. The dentist can whiten the teeth with bleaching products easier, cleaner, and safer.
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