Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Tooth whiteners work to remove surface stains with bleaches. It’s quite a simple process, and more often than not, people are satisfied with the result. Of course, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come without its risk. Like anything to do with the teeth, you should understand just how safe it is before diving into a treatment. For full satisfaction, our dentistry services provide results that you simply cannot achieve at home.
What Are the Risks Associated with Teeth Whitening?
There are risks with pretty much anything you do in life, especially when it comes to the body, and that includes teeth. While teeth whitening isn’t generally known as an invasive or frightening treatment, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of some of the risks involved, and they include:
- Pain
Tooth pain is often cited as one of the worst types of pain the human body can experience. With teeth whitening, you might feel a small amount of pain that disappears quickly, or you might suffer from sensitive teeth and go through more pain than necessary.
- Teeth Sensitivity
The ingredients used in most teeth whitening products can make your teeth more sensitive for a while. Tooth sensitivity can affect your eating and brushing habits, so be sure to keep this in mind before choosing a treatment.
- Irritated Gums
Bleach and Gums don’t sit well together. If your teeth whitening treatments aren’t performed correctly, you might experience irritated gums. Over time, this may turn into an ongoing problem.
Is it Worth It?
Don’t let the risks scare you off, though, as the benefits that come from teeth whitening can greatly improve your quality of life. As long as you get your teeth whitened properly, you can reap these benefits:
- Improved Confidence
Tooth discoloration can, unfortunately, affect confidence to the point some people don’t even want to smile with their teeth. With whiter teeth, though, they will find that lost confidence and feel more comfortable in their body.
- A More Attractive Smile
Many people say that a smile is the most attractive quality in a person, and teeth whitening helps improve on that. People tend to notice teeth pretty quickly, so teeth whitening is a simple way to become more attractive.
- More Attention to Dental Care
While teeth whitening isn’t about tooth health, it does ensure people think more about their oral health. After all, the results don’t last long without good oral hygiene.
What Are the Different Methods for Teeth Whitening?
As you can see, teeth whitening is more than worth it, as long as you go for the right treatment. You might wonder, what are the different methods, and which one would work best for me? To help you decide on the safest and most effective treatment, here are the most popular methods for whitening effects.
- Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth-whitening strips are an extremely common method when it comes to lightening the tooth color. There is a good reason for this – they are relatively inexpensive, and some of the best brands do provide decent whitening results. Unfortunately, the results are not as instant or visible as other methods like a whitening gel tray, and because they aren’t customized to your teeth, the results can often be uneven. They may also be painful, especially at first. Nevertheless, teeth whitening kits aren’t a bad choice for first-timers, especially if you’re not looking for dramatic results.
- Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
There are plenty of whitening toothpastes on the market, some better than others. For those wanting white teeth, it makes sense to invest in one, but don’t expect to notice much difference too quickly. They work by using a whitening agent, which slowly brightens your teeth over time. The pros are that it’s cheap, simple, and there are few side effects, but the cons are that the results aren’t significant.
- At a Dentist
One of the more sensible options that people choose over teeth whitening products is getting your teeth whitened at the dentist. It often takes place over several sessions – usually between one and three – and involves using hydrogen peroxide on the teeth. The results are significant, with most people being able to notice a difference straight away. Plus, the chances of experiencing any ill side effects are minimized as you are in the hands of a professional.
- A Whitening Gel Tray
A whitening gel tray is a custom type of whitening that is provided to you by your dentist. It includes whitening gels, which you use with a tray designed specifically for your teeth, ensuring optimal, even results from home. Dentists recommend this whitening kit as it produces excellent results and the risks are low. If you’re interested in our whitening gel trays at BAF dentistry, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Look After Your Teeth
Whitening your teeth isn’t the only action you should be taking to ensure a great smile. To make sure your smile shines for longer, don’t forget to:
- Visit your dentist
You should visit your dentist around one to two times per year for check-ups and more regularly if you require treatment. Your dentist will be able to determine how healthy your teeth are and if you need any treatments or lifestyle changes to keep them in optimal condition.
- Practice good oral hygiene
To keep your tooth enamel strong, prevent gum disease, and keep your pearly whites, you must practice good oral hygiene. That means brushing two to three times a day and flossing every day. It’s not much effort, and the results are a more attractive, healthier smile for longer.
- Avoid stain-heavy food and drink
One huge contributor to stained teeth is stain-heavy foods like coffee, curry, and red wine. If you want your teeth to stay as white as possible, try to avoid these.
- Cut the Bad Habits
Smoking and drinking alcohol will affect your tooth color and your oral hygiene overall. If you care about your mouth, you should try to cut those bad habits. Not only will this improve your teeth, but it’ll also improve your general health overall.
With the correct treatment, habits, and dentistry, you can enjoy a beautiful white smile every single day.