When you smile in the mirror, are your stained teeth making you self-conscious? You may start to brush a little longer than normal, but it’s not giving you the quick results you want. Instead, a professional whitening treatment from your dentist may be what you need. Before you can dive right in, you’ll have to make sure you have no cavities. Keep reading to learn why this oral health issue can cause trouble for your brighter grin.
Why Shouldn’t I Whiten My Teeth If I Have Cavities?
Whether you do a professional whitening or store-bought kit, a bleaching gel is often used to get you to the results you want. You may apply it to your teeth or to trays that you wear for a certain amount of time. The product will start to break down dark particles on and within your enamel. During this process, it’s typically pain-free! That being said, cavities can make it a bit more uncomfortable.
Decay often exposes the dentin underneath your enamel. This second layer of your teeth has tiny channels that go down to the nerve of the tooth. When this happens, you are likely to have some sensitivity to hot or cold things, and the whitening agent may trigger it!
In order to avoid this, you should get a consultation! These visits are helpful in making sure your mouth is a healthy foundation. That way, you can get to the results you want without any worry. Keep in mind that this goes for professional and over-the-counter products. This can even help you get more personalized advice on how to reach your goals.
What Happens During a Professional Whitening Treatment?
While you may be tempted to go to your local department store and pick up a store-bought whitening product, you may want to visit your dentist instead. They have a professional treatment that is much more reliable and safer. After assessing your oral health, they’ll give you an in-office service or a take-home kit. Both can get you to results that are up to eight shades brighter, with the former taking about an hour and the latter taking about two weeks.
Not only that, but your provider will also take the time to make sure you avoid any sensitivity afterward. By getting rid of cavities and making sure your enamel stays healthy, you can feel your best about your renewed smile.
About the Author
Dr. Jason Kaopua earned his dental degree from the Oregon Health & Science University. He has taken advanced training on a wide range of specialty topics, ensuring that he can give his patients the best care possible. Dr. Kaopua is happy to help you get your confident grin through effective cosmetic treatments, such as professional teeth whitening.
You’ll have a chance to talk about your goals, and he will walk you through what you can do to get there. If you want to take the first step to a brighter smile, schedule a consultation or call his office at (425) 267-3333.