At first glance, it may seem obvious that teeth whitening is a good thing to get at the dentists. However, when it comes to teeth whitening at home, it may not be as straightforward. We’ll take a look at what you need to consider before opting for this option.
A bleaching agent is used to remove the enamel that makes up the teeth and stains them in the process. This is done by using hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide, or any combination of these. This product is applied directly to the surface of the teeth and you can see a color change over time. In general, it’s around three months before the teeth start to turn a whiter shade.
Teeth whitening has been linked to many side effects. Many of these can include sensitivity in the mouth. That said, some research has shown that prolonged use of teeth whitening products may cause lasting damage to the gums.
Tooth sensitivity has been seen as one of the most popular reasons for people opting for teeth whitening. Some experts believe that it’s partly because the whitening agents cause a reaction in the gums. That said, some also point out that sensitivity can also be caused by the sensitivity of the mouth after the teeth have been damaged by hard drinks and foods.
There are many factors that determine how sensitive your mouth may become after you’ve had an at-home teeth whitening procedure. These factors include:
You can’t really skip brushing your teeth and you shouldn’t skip it. This is a vitally important thing to remember, as it keeps the enamel on your teeth bright and healthy. So, brushing is your first step.
When you use high-speed teeth trays, this has a negative effect. Instead of leaving the teeth with no traces of stains and discoloration, the high-speed trays leave a sticky film on the teeth and this then turns into a stain. Brushing should then be done every day.
The wrong toothpaste can have an effect on at-home teeth whitening too. The reason why is because this can result in staining of the teeth as well as stains which make it harder to whiten your teeth, which can then be very difficult to remove.
Losing teeth can cause dental problems. That said, if you lose one or more teeth it’s important to see a dentist immediately. If you lose your wisdom teeth and these fall out, you could develop gum disease.
It is very important to seek professional advice when it comes to your at-home teeth whitening. You don’t want to risk damaging your teeth or not getting the results you want.
Whether you opt for at-home teeth whitening or visit the dentist for teeth whitening services, it’s always important to be aware of the things you need to consider. So, take a look at the toothbrush and toothpaste you use regularly and ensure that they’re safe for your teeth.
