Has your smile been looking somewhat dull recently? Fortunately, there’s a simple way that you can brighten up your pearly whites to improve the appearance of your teeth: professional teeth whitening. However, it is crucial that you have excellent oral health before you can opt for this cosmetic dental treatment. Whitening your teeth with cavities can lead to serious dental problems. Continue reading to learn about potential risks and why you should always see your dentist for teeth whitening.
What Happens If You Whiten Decayed Teeth?
If you have cavities, you shouldn’t be using any whitening kits. The whitening agent that’s used in most store-bought whitening treatments contains hydrogen peroxide. While it’s effective at removing stains, it can irritate teeth that are particularly sensitive, even if they are otherwise healthy. If there is a cavity present, when the bleaching agent makes contact with the sensitive inner layers of your tooth, it can cause a significant amount of pain. In some cases, the teeth can become permanently damaged, and you will require emergency dental care. Ultimately, you should always have your teeth carefully examined by a dentist to ensure that you don’t have any existing decay, cracks, or other damage present that could get in the way of the treatment. Minor cavities and cracks can cause little to no symptoms and may not become apparent until after you whiten your teeth.
How Professional Teeth Whitening Can Help to Prevent Dental Issues
Whether you opt for in-office or take-home professional teeth whitening with your dentist, your smile will be closely examined beforehand to ensure that it is healthy enough to undergo this cosmetic treatment. Here’s how each treatment works:
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: If you’re looking for quick results, you can choose in-office professional teeth whitening. In this case, your dentist will use safe, effective whitening products to brighten your smile several shades in just one hour-long appointment.
- Take-Home Teeth Whitening: For patients who would prefer to whitening their smile in the comfort of their own home, take-home teeth whitening kits are available. After examining your smile, your dentist will provide you with customized trays and a potent whitening gel. In just a couple of weeks, you will see the beautiful results.
White teeth are gorgeous, but you shouldn’t risk the health of your smile to achieve them. By seeing your dentist for professional whitening, you can ensure that your pearly whites are brightened safely!
About the Author
Dr. A. Faris Waheed is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over 15 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has completed several post-graduate courses focused on numerous subjects, including dental implants, root canal therapy, and oral sedation. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and SPEAR Education. For more information on teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment at his office in Panama City, visit his website or call (850) 215-0128.