If your teeth have some mild stains, you might be thinking about picking up a whitening kit from your local store. However, you should not be so quick to take action. If you have any spots of decay on your teeth, you could end up hurting yourself. Why are cavities and teeth whitening a dangerous combination? This blog post explains.
Cavities and Bleaching Formulas Do Not Mix
Even in perfectly healthy teeth, teeth bleaching formulas commonly cause increased sensitivity. That is because the bleaching formula causes the tiny pores in teeth to open slightly. Then, the whitening product can break up unwanted pigment molecules inside the enamel. Usually, the sensitivity wears off fairly quickly.
In teeth that have cavities or decay, the sensitivity can be significantly worse than it is for healthy teeth. In fact, exposing decayed teeth to a bleaching formula could cause permanent damage.
It is also important to keep in mind that if your teeth look brown or dark due to decay, a teeth whitening treatment will not help to improve their appearance. Whitening products are designed specifically to address stains caused by things like food, drink, and other everyday activities.
The Safe Way to Whiten Your Teeth
There is an easy way to avoid the discomfort and potential damage associated with using whitening products on decayed teeth. Visit your dentist for a checkup. A thorough visual exam, along with X-rays, can reveal whether you have any cavities. After you receive appropriate treatment, it should be safe for you to whiten your teeth.
Here are a couple of notes that can have a bearing on your teeth whitening process:
- Over-the-counter whitening products tend to be moderately effective. However, professional treatments from a cosmetic deliver even more powerful results. They can also be customized according to your needs.
- If you receive a crown for a decayed tooth, it will not respond to whitening treatments. Be sure to let your dentist know about your intentions to brighten your smile so they can design your crown accordingly.
- Dental fillings can last for several years. If it has been a while since you received a filling, you should be sure that it is still in good shape before you whiten your teeth.
Cavities and teeth whitening products do not go together! Visit your dentist so you can brighten your smile with as little risk as possible.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Herres and Votilla are proud to provide a range of restorative and cosmetic services for the Lancaster community. If you are interested in whitening your teeth, they can help you achieve your desired results as safely as possible. To ask questions or book a cosmetic consultation, contact Dentistry for Life at 717-569-3911.