If you’ve got stubborn tooth stains or discoloration and are considering professional teeth whitening, you may be wondering why you need a preliminary examination with your dentist first. After all, if these same types of products are sold at your local discount store, they should be safe for everyone, right? Unfortunately, however, this simply isn’t true. That’s because whitening teeth that have cavities or decay can make the damage much more severe. Furthermore, because these issues can often be difficult to spot in your own mouth, it’s possible to injure an already damaged tooth without even realizing there’s a problem. Here’s a closer look at why cavities and teeth whitening don’t mix, and the benefits of having a thorough cosmetic dentistry consultation.
Dangerous Ahead: Decay & Teeth Whitening
When you whiten your teeth, the powerful active ingredients work by infiltrating the tiny pores in your enamel, breaking up the stains contained within. In healthy teeth, this can sometimes cause temporary sensitivity as the minerals that help keep your teeth healthy and strong can become diminished. In most cases, this uncomfortable sensation is completely gone within a few days after your treatment is concluded as the minerals are naturally restored, and you can even speed up the process by replacing them with a sensitive toothpaste.
Unfortunately, however, if you have untreated damage like decay or cavities, the prognosis can be much worse. For starters, whitening a damaged tooth can cause extreme pain as the powerful chemicals reach its nerves. Worse yet, the bleach can even accelerate damage like enamel erosion and worsen the decay. In some cases, you may even need an emergency root canal following treatment!
The Importance of the Pre-Whitening Consultation
Before your smile can be professionally whitened, your dentist requires you to attend a cosmetic consultation. At this appointment, he will examine your teeth and gums to ensure that they’re healthy enough to withstand treatment. If they are, you can schedule your procedure for a date and time that best suits your schedule. However, if any cavities, decay, or other problems are diagnosed, you will need to address those before you can undergo cosmetic treatment. This is to protect your teeth from worsening damage and to ensure that you get the results you deserve by only enhancing a healthy mouth.
Over-the-Counter Whitening and Your Oral Health
In some cases, patients may be tempted to skip professional whitening treatment and just do it themselves with an over-the-counter whitening product from their nearest discount store or favorite online retailer. Unfortunately, however, these products usually contain diluted forms of the same active ingredients as professional treatment, so using them to treat unhealthy teeth can cause the same problems. This can often be even more dangerous, because OTC ingredients are not as powerful as professional treatment and could leave your teeth exposed to these chemicals much longer, creating even bigger problems in the process. Thus, while you may be eager to get your smile looking its best as soon as possible, when it comes to whitening your teeth no matter which method you choose, it is best to get a clean bill of health from your dentist first.
Remember, while professional whitening from your dentist is safe for your smile, it should only be done on teeth that are healthy and strong. If you have any lingering cavities or damage, the powerful chemicals used could make them worse. Thus, even if you decide to use an OTC kit, be sure to schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry before beginning any elective treatments, and you’ll have a solid foundation for a healthy, beautiful smile!
About Dr. Kendrick
Dr. Steven Kendrick earned his undergraduate degree at Oklahoma City University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry. He has taken numerous courses at the Misch International Implant Institute and serves as a visiting professor faculty member at Spear Education and is also part of the adjunct faculty at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. To schedule a consultation for teeth whitening at Midwest Dental Center, visit our website or call 405-732-0431.