Teeth whitening has become a very popular cosmetic procedure and a lot of people are going crazy about it. But just like other medical treatments, it is important that you are well educated on this particular type of treatment. It is not enough to know how the procedure can benefit you. You also need to know its drawbacks and limitations.
The majority of people who buy teeth whitening products don’t take any effort to get to know what they’re using and this has led to severe oral health problems. So before you rush to the store and buy a whitening product, take time to know everything you can about them.
Teeth Whitening Quick Facts
Yes. You know for sure what tooth whitening is. It’s basically a procedure that makes your teeth whiter – simple. But what makes your teeth whiter? What chemicals are used to remove the stain from your teeth? Are these chemicals safe? Is this kind of procedure suitable for you?
Basically, not everyone is encouraged to undergo teeth whitening. If you have problems with your gums, teeth, and any other area in your mouth, teeth whitening may not be for you. Even if you have strong teeth, you’ll never know how healthy your gums are unless you have it checked by a qualified dentist. Whitening products should not be applied on cracked teeth or those with cavities. They also don’t respond well to tooth fillings, veneers, and crowns. If you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t use any tooth whitening product nor have them whitened in the clinic.
Now, what if you don’t fall into this category? What if you have healthy gums and natural teeth? Does it mean to say you can have your teeth whitened already? Yes you can. But how white will they be? This depends on your undertone.
People have different undertones which range from palest yellow to palest brown. People who have yellow palest are more likely to have the best results from whitening treatments as compared to those with brown and grey palest, according to the American Dental Association. Those with grey undertones are the least to succeed in teeth whitening as this palest don’t respond well in treatments.
To know whether you are a good candidate for tooth whitening, speak with your dentist. While it can be tempting to buy whitening products as they come readily available in drugstores, you should not buy one without seeking advice from a professional dentist.
What can go wrong?
Whitening your teeth can pose serious risks too. These include:
- Reduction of enamel on the teeth
- Damaged gums
- Blistering
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Digestive problems (if chemicals has been ingested)
Are you ready?
You can always reduce the risk of any serious side effect of teeth whitening by being careful about the treatment you will choose. If you’re using over-the-counter whitening products, be sure to buy only the reputable brands and ask your dentist about it. If you’re considering having your teeth bleached by a professional, choose the one which is credible enough to administer the procedure.
