Teeth Whitening Tips
The use of professional and over-the-counter teeth whitening products is on the rise. Visit the health section of almost any store and you are presented with a wall of teeth whitening products. Since anyone can pick up any product for over-the-counter use, sometimes the products are not used properly. When you obtain professional teeth whitening products for your dentist, they are always accompanied with usage instructions. Follow the whitening tips included here to improve your results and comfort while whitening your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Preparation
Before whitening your teeth, it is recommended that you have a dental check-up or exam first. Whitening or bleaching your teeth while there is dental decay or cavities present results in discomfort. Patients generally experience mild to severe pain or sensitivity if they whiten their teeth while active decay is present. A thorough dental exam will check for areas of decay that should be fixed before whitening is started.
A professional dental cleaning is also important before starting whitening treatment. Many whitening products rely on the use of a liquid or gel that makes contact with the teeth to be effective. When there is soft or hardened dental plaque build-up, the whitening product is not able to make proper contact with the teeth. A dental cleaning will remove plaque build-up and expose the tooth to the whitening product more effectively. Whitening may not be recommended for patients who have a history of sensitive teeth if they have just had a teeth cleaning.
Like mentioned above, sometimes teeth whitening must be delayed after a dental cleaning. Patients with a history of sensitivity may experience increased sensitivity temporarily after a cleaning. Use of a sensitivity toothpaste or desensitizing toothpaste after a dental cleaning is recommended. The ingredients in the sensitivity toothpaste will help to strengthen the tooth and reduce sensitivity. Use of a sensitivity toothpaste is also recommended before starting whitening and after whitening is completed. The sensitivity toothpaste helps to reduce the effects of sensitivity experienced by some patients after whitening their teeth.
Teeth Whitening Precautions
While whitening teeth and after whitening teeth, things such as wine, coffee, cigarettes and acidic foods should be avoided. Acidic foods and drinks will increase the amount of sensitivity during and after teeth whitening. Try to avoid excessively cold items as well for a few days after teeth whitening.
It is important to note that only some patients experience sensitivity or discomfort when whitening their teeth. If you have a history of sensitivity or experience sensitive teeth after whitening them, follow these tips and you will be able to achieve good results while minimizing any potential sensitivity or discomfort.