One of the many side effects of aging is that over time our once bright smile begins to fade and look a bit dingy. One way to combat this particular effect of aging is to resort to teeth whitening to restore some of that youthful luster to your smile, but is that a safe thing to do? Will teeth whitening damage your teeth or gums?
In answer to that question, we can say that while some have expressed concern over the practice, there is absolutely no scientific evidence indicating that whitening does damage your teeth.
At-home whitening – How does it work?
At-home whitening options include the use of whitening strips or gels, and they can do a respectable job removing stains and brightening your teeth. You simply place the strips or gel tray on your teeth for the recommended amount of time.
Most of these over-the-counter products contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide which serve as a whitening agent, and overall, the effects of both are the same.
To achieve your desired effect, you probably need to use the at-home products daily for at least a week.
Safety tips for at-home whitening treatments
If you decide on the at-home route for teeth whitening, here are a few suggestions for doing it safely.
- Look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval on whitening products, including whitening toothpaste. This seal means the bleaching agents in these products have been found safe and effective in independent tests.
- Follow the instructions that come with the product to avoid tooth sensitivity. Some whitening agents are to be used only once a day, others twice daily. Some are to be used for a week, others for two weeks.
- Be aware of your teeth. By that we mean that while safe, teeth whitening products can sometimes cause your teeth or gums to become temporarily sensitive. If that happens, consider taking a break from tooth whitening or switch to a different product.
Tips to avoid teeth staining
- Don’t smoke.
- Brush twice daily and floss at least once.
- Limit your consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine, the stain offenders.
- See your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning and stain removal.
Teeth Whitening In Ravenswood – Chicago, Illinois
Whether done at home or in your dentist’s office, teeth whitening works best on teeth that have yellowed with age or that have been stained by things like tobacco smoke, red wine, or tea and coffee. On the other hand, brown or gray discoloration could be a sign of underlying dental problems that whitening won’t correct.
At Cornerstone Dental of Lincoln Park we offer a wide array of teeth whitening services. We offer the latest state-of-the-art methods that modern dental science has to offer, and we believe our services are second to none.
Thanks to our services, stained or yellowed teeth will never again be a source of embarrassment. So for a bright smile that radiates confidence, contact Cornerstone Dental of Lincoln Park to schedule your appointment for professional teeth whitening or any of our other dental services.
