The Advantages and Disadvantages of Whitening Your Teeth

Everyone wants white teeth, especially since there are so many options for obtaining a brighter smile. Although it’s easy to buy over the counter products that whiten your teeth, there are important considerations when making the decision to move forward with the teeth whitening process. Since the best decision is an informed decision, the information below highlights some of the advantages and disadvantages of whitening your teeth. 

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that was once only performed in dental offices. This procedure became more prevalent when companies started offering a do-it-yourself version of teeth whitening. Products used for at home teeth whitening usually contain hydrogen peroxide because it’s an effective way to whiten your teeth. 

A bright smile isn’t just about vanity. Many people believe that a dull smile would make them less attractive to a potential partner. But that’s not all; studies have revealed that people with an unattractive smile are less likely to land a job than candidates with a bright smile. These are some of the reasons why so many people feel compelled to whiten their teeth. 

Before you decide to move forward with teeth whitening, there are a few side effects that you should consider. Some of the most prevalent issues that people who whiten their teeth experience is gum irritation and teeth sensitivity. In some cases, the reason why gum irritation occurs is because the plastic whitening trays worn during the teeth whitening process brush up against your gums, which results in temporary irritation. It’s often reported that both the teeth sensitivity and irritation of gums disappear in a few days. 

It would be great if a little sensitivity and irritation were the only problems that resulted from teeth whitening, but that’s not the case. Studies have also revealed that burns to the soft issue of the gums can occur if the product used is strong. There’s also speculation that some bleaching agents can negatively affect the structure of your teeth, especially the enamel. 

If you want to get to the bottom line about whether at home teeth whitening is safe, there isn’t a clear answer. Subsequently, it’s important to consult with your dentist in order to make the best decision based on your situation. Every person is different and your dentist can perform an examination to assess the condition of your teeth and make a recommendation about how you should proceed. In fact, the American Dental Association (ADA) is a proponent of visiting a dental office Milwaukie OR before moving forward with a teeth whitening procedure. 

There are some circumstances under which teeth whitening should be avoided. For instance, certain types of tooth discoloration will not respond to tooth whitening products. This is especially the case for discoloration caused by certain medications. Additionally, the use of teeth whitening products is not recommend for crowns, fillings, caps or veneers. Your dentist can provide information about any alternative ways to address tooth discoloration under these circumstances.