No matter how often we clean our teeth, some discoloration or stain occurs on our teeth. If we want to whiten our teeth there are many options to choose from, we can visit your dentist or try at home whitening products. But question is, are they safe?
Teeth whitening is the safest dental treatment that you can opt for, whether be it in office bleach or custom made trays. Sometimes temporary gum irritation or sensitivity can occur in some patients.
Gum Irritation: Whitening agents like Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide Peroxide are used for teeth whitening. When these come in contact with our gums, it can cause some irritation. During In-office bleaching procedure the dentist uses protective gels to shield our gums from bleaching agents. Similarly home trays are customized to fit our teeth and minimize the contact with bleaching agents. If you still feel some irritation then it heals on its own.
Teeth sensitivity: Teeth sensitivity is another common side effect of teeth whitening. It generally occurs because of high concentration of peroxide or presence of cavities. Dentists use anti-sensitivity gels to decrease sensitivity. Generally sensitivity resolves on its own.
If not then you can:
Start using sensitivity tooth pastes.
Get your cavities filled.
Use tray for shorter periods.
Pause the treatment and get your teeth accustomed to the change. Don’t overdo it.
If you are interested in teeth whitening follow the following steps:
Step 1: Talk to your Dentist: best method to get your teeth whiten without any damage, is to talk to your dentist. They will check your tooth for any cavities or gum disease and advise you accordingly.
Step 2: Read the instructions carefully: every product comes with their own sets of instructions; you should read before using the product. Overuse or incorrect use may harm your teeth.
Step 3: Listen to your teeth: if start experiencing sensitivity then you should stop using the whitening kit. Consult your dentist as soon as possible.
After whitening teeth are more prone to staining beverages like tea or coffee. So you should rinse your mouth or brush your mouth after eating or drinking, this will reduce the chance of plaque buildup. As long as you stick to dentist approved method, teeth whitening is considered safe. And if you have any concerns about it, you should see your dentist.