Tips For a Safe and Successful Teeth Whitening

September 26, 2019

Let’s be honest, wouldn’t everyone love to have whiter teeth? It’s safe to assume that most people if asked, wouldn’t mind a few shades brighter on their pearly whites. That being said, there can be barriers, besides cost, which might make one hesitant to go through the teeth whitening process. While worries about not being able to eat certain foods, tooth pain, or gum sensitivity are all valid, there’s less to be concerned about than you may think.

While every dentist’s process will be slightly different, knowing the rules of thumb about teeth whitening can help you feel more safe and comfortable. We’ve provided some tips below to put your mind at ease.

Do I need to go to the dentist?

There are plenty of teeth whitening options which don’t involve multiple trips to your dentist’s office. Are over the counter remedies safe, though? The answer is almost resoundingly a yes. Consult with your dentist about what casual whitening solutions they recommend and make a decision together about what works best for you.

However, always be sure to follow the instructions on home teeth whitening kits carefully and try to refrain from using them too often as overuse can soften your teeth.

How can I avoid tooth sensitivity?

A small amount of tooth sensitivity is to be expected throughout any tooth whitening process, especially in the hour following your session. However, if you experience an excess amount of pain or sensitivity, there are solutions which can help make your experience easier.

Talk to your dentist about what options might be available, even if you are suffering from sensitivity as a result of an over-the-counter whitening kit.

Many dentists can institute a de-sensitivity regimen which can include applying fluoride or potassium nitrate to your teeth.

How do I avoid darkening my teeth?

Perhaps the most pressing question regarding teeth whitening is how to preserve the effects of the whitening process. The most significant bit of advice is to avoid eating or drinking anything in the hour following your whitening session.

This is the crucial time during which the enhanced colour sets upon your teeth. Also, things like red wine, black coffee, and other staining foods and drinks will gradually stain your teeth over time.

That’s certainly not to say that you need to avoid these things entirely, merely that you should bear in mind how long you wait between ingesting them and brushing your teeth.

Finally, tobacco is a big no-no when it comes to teeth whiteness. If you have a habit of chewing or smoking tobacco, be mindful of the staining effect that comes with it.

Conclusion

We hope these tips will help you feel comfortable and confident about taking the next step towards whiter teeth.

Always remember, the most important thing you can do to keep your teeth beautiful and white is to have good dental hygiene!

Make sure to brush regularly, talk to your dental professional, and you’ll have whiter teeth in no time.

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