If you are looking to alter your smile then you may be considering brightening it up with teeth whitening treatments. In this post, our Fort St. John dentists list the potential side effects of professional teeth whitening and other things to keep in mind.
Teeth Whitening: Why Do It?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, so it does not have any oral health benefits. That said, many people find they feel more confident in revealing their smile if their teeth are white, and having a bright, white smile can encourage you to keep up with a great at-home oral hygiene routine.
As we age, our teeth can become discoloured for numerous reasons, whether as a result of our drinking or eating habits, smoking cigarettes or taking certain medications. Some patients also have tooth decay or damage.
Professional teeth whitening is a great way to quickly and non-invasively alter the appearance of your teeth.
Are There Different Options For Teeth Whitening?
The dentists at our clinic are often asked if there is more than one option for teeth whitening. Patients at our dental clinic in Fort St. John have two choices for teeth whitening:
- Professional at-home bleaching kits offered by your dentist
- Teeth whitening products are available over the counter, without supervision from your dentist
Should You Be Concerned About Possible Side Effects?
While the chance of experiencing side effects with professional teeth whitening is low, there are a few mild side effects that you have the possibility of experiencing. these side effects are:
Is There a Risk of Tooth Sensitivity?
After completion of the teeth whitening treatment, you may notice an increased sensitivity to temperature. The sensitivity will likely not last more than a week or two. In the meantime, ask your dentist about products that can help. They recommend products containing potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride to treat sensitivity.
Is Gum Irritation Possible?
You may notice a temporary irritation in your gums after teeth whitening if the solution has come into contact with them. This side effect should not last very long once the treatment is complete and the solution is no longer in contact with your gums.
What To Keep In Mind With Professional Teeth Whitening
One of the main things to keep in mind is that teeth whitening is not permanent and you will need to continue with touch-ups in order to keep new stains from forming. Also remember that teeth whitening will not work on restorations such as crowns, bridges, implants and dentures.
Ask your dentist whether teeth whitening is right for you. If you have certain dental work in progress or active cavities are an issue, your dentist may recommend against this procedure.
Teeth whitening methods approved by your dentist are considered safe. Before doing any treatment, always discuss with your dentist and pick the one that matches your needs. It is important to remember to follow your dentist's instructions closely and contact your dentist right away if you have questions, concerns or side effects.