Have you ever wanted a cleaner, whiter smile but had concerns that common tooth whitening procedures might damage your teeth, enamel or some other part of your body? After all, the chemicals used to bleach teeth sound pretty dangerous if they aren’t used with caution. Fortunately, dentists and researchers have worked hard to give you the answers you deserve when you’re wondering is teeth whitening safe.
What Are Common Teeth Whitening Methods?
There are many products available that promise to get rid of unsightly stains and yellowing. These include toothpastes, strips, trays, gels, mouthwashes and professional treatment, among others. These range in price from a few dollars for toothpaste and mouthwash, to quite a bit more for a trip to a dentist. In general, professional treatment is the most effective and gives the quickest results.
What Happens During a Teeth Whitening Procedure?
Choosing a professional tooth whitening service can save time and fuss waiting for over the counter products to work. During the procedure, you can expect the dentist to polish your teeth, apply protective products to gums and other soft tissues in your mouth, and bleach your teeth with a peroxide solution. Depending on the brand, the peroxide solution will probably have to be activated with light or a laser and left on for a half hour or longer. Sometimes several visits will be required to achieve the desired results.
What Are Risks Associated with Teeth Whitening?
Serious side effects are very rare when products are used correctly. Most patients report no side effects or minor, short-lived increased sensitivity or irritation to gums and other soft tissue. However, excessive bleaching or exposure chemicals that are too harsh can decrease tooth enamel and cause permanent nerve damage. If you accidentally swallow a peroxide solution, it may cause vomiting, but it is unlikely to do any serious damage. Most tooth bleach does not have high enough concentration of peroxide for this to become an issue. Make sure to follow the instructions and take the advice of a dentist to avoid potential complications.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
The products used to whiten teeth might be abrasive or hazardous in large amounts, but careful research is put in for every product on the market to make sure the levels of chemical hazard are too low to cause harm to your body. With proper care, side effects, such as sensitivity and irritation, normally go away within 24 hours. Is teeth whitening safe during pregnancy? As long as you follow the instructions and don’t exceed the recommended dosage, you and your unborn baby have nothing to fear from the peroxide solutions used in over-the-counter or clinical treatment. If you’re still unsure, it’s a good idea to contact a dentist who does professional teeth whitening in Miami.
When you’re ready to increase confidence in your personal appearance with whiter teeth, you don’t have to worry is teeth whitening safe. You can trust some of the best dentists in Miami to take care to keep you as safe as possible throughout the procedure.
