3 Things To Do Before Teeth Whitening

More people are turning to teeth whitening since self-whitening kits have become readily available in pharmacies across the country. Although whitening your teeth at home is an option, it is important to be sure that it is a safe option for you. Before whitening your teeth at home, here are a few things you should know.

Schedule a Dentist Appointment

Before you decide to whiten your teeth at home, you should see a cosmetic dentist for a consultation. There is a possibility that your teeth only need cleaning to regain their whiteness. 

The dentist will need to rule out the possibility that you are suffering from a dental condition that is impacting the whiteness of your teeth. Dental problems, such as gum disease, need to be treated as early as possible to prevent further complications. 

During your consultation with the dentist, ask him or her whether teeth whitening at home is a good option for you. For some people, at home kits are not ideal, and they should work with a cosmetic dentistry professional.

For instance, as you age, your teeth naturally darken. Bleaching your teeth too many times at home could weaken the condition of your teeth and leave you vulnerable to dental problems. 

Understand When to Whiten

There are some situations in which you should not whiten at home. Avoid using a whitening kit while you are pregnant or nursing. 

If you have bondings or crowns, you should avoid whitening at home. The crowns and bondings will not be impacted by the whitening. You could end up with teeth that have been significantly whitened and darker crowns and bondings. 

Be Careful When Whitening

It is important that you follow the directions on the whitening kit if you decide to use it. There are many side effects associated with over-bleaching your teeth, including hypersensitivity. 

The bleaching agent in the kit also wears the enamel down on your teeth. As this happens, your chances of developing cavities increases and you are more vulnerable to painful temperatures

It is also important that you time your touchups right. Refer to the directions on the packaging to determine how long you should wait before whitening your teeth again.

Even if you are not having dental problems and your teeth still have the desired shade of whiteness, you need to see your dentist at least once a year. The dentist can help ensure that you are not over-bleaching your teeth. 

Whitening your teeth is a good way to enhance your smile. To ensure you do it safely, talk to a cosmetic dentist first. 


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