Whether you have a big event coming up and you want a smile you can share with confidence or you simply have dental stains you want to eradicate, teeth whitening may help. Your teeth can become yellowish, discolored, or stained over time due to exposure to what goes into your mouth when you drink or eat.Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in dentistry, but is teeth whitening really safe? Let's take a closer look at the different teeth whitening procedures, and what you should know about staying safe in an effort to get a dazzling, whiter smile.
A Closer Look at Teeth Whitening Options
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
If you're looking to get your teeth whitened in a day or without visiting the dentist, you will likely look for over-the-counter whitening products. Some products are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), such as home whitening trays and even whitening toothpaste. As long as these products are used as directed, they are considered safe to use. Avoid products that are not ADA-approved or that come from questionable sources.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is the safest way to brighten your smile, remove stains, and even get rid of stubborn plaque that may be causing discoloration. Dentists offer different types of in-office whitening, but most involve applying a professional-grade whitening solution to the teeth and then using a concentrated light that activates the bleaching solution. Take-home whitening treatments may also be offered. These treatments involve wearing a tray with the bleaching solution for a predetermined amount of time to lift discoloration over the course of several sessions.
Common Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
Even though teeth whitening is considered to be safe for pretty much all patients, some individuals may experience a few general side effects after a whitening procedure. Here is a closer look.
Teeth Sensitivity
Some patients do report that their teeth feel a little more sensitive than usual to things like cold drinks or hot foods right after treatment. However, this sensation usually goes away within a few days. The dentist may recommend making a few dietary changes for a day or two just to thwart any mild discomfort.
Gum Irritation
The whitening solutions used during teeth whitening procedures may cause a little gum irritation. The dentist will go to great lengths to keep the solution from coming in contact with the gingival tissue during professional treatments. However, occasionally a small amount of solution may come in contact with the gums. You may spot a little redness, or your gums may feel a little sore. This, too, should subside within a few days.
Want to Know More About Teeth Whitening?
In the end, teeth whitening is generally safe when done by a skilled professional. Some over-the-counter treatments may be questionable when it comes to safety, but most are fine as long as they are used properly. If you are interested in teeth whitening from an experienced dentist, find your local Ideal Dental office and reach out to schedule an appointment.