Need Whiter Teeth? Why You Should Avoid At-Home Methods

Dentist Blog

If you've been trying to save money by doing at-home teeth whitening treatments, you could be doing more harm than good. You might not realize this, but do-it-yourself whitening treatments can actually damage your teeth. Unfortunately, if that happens, you'll need to have your dentist repair the damage, which might be quite costly. That's why you should have your dentist take care of your whitening treatment from the start instead. If you're still set on using at-home whitening treatments, read the list provided below. Here are just four of the dental problems you could face with the continued use of at-home whitening treatments. 

They Could Discolour Your Teeth

If you're using at-home whitening treatments to remove unsightly stains, it's time to change treatments. Some do-it-yourself whitening treatments can actually cause tooth discolouration. This is especially true if you whiten your teeth too often or if you don't follow the instructions properly. That's where professional whitening treatments come into the picture. Professional whitening treatments are performed in a dental office, which means the session is closely monitored. Not only that, but safe and effective methods are used for your whitening treatment. 

They Could Irritate Your Gums

If you're still using do-it-yourself whitening treatments, you could be putting your gums at risk for damage. Many of the do-it-yourself whitening treatments rely on peroxide. Unfortunately, peroxide can irritate your gums, which can lead to bleeding and inflammation. To avoid gum irritation, you need to have your teeth whitened by your dentist. That way you know that your teeth are getting their whitest while still protecting your gums. 

They Could Harm the Enamel

If you're ready to whiten your teeth, you need to take certain precautionary steps to protect the enamel. One way to do that is to insist on professional teeth whitening treatments. One of the problems with at-home whitening treatments is that the whitening agents can be too harsh, which can damage the enamel on your teeth. Unfortunately, weakened enamel can increase your risk for tooth decay and cavities. Luckily, you can reduce the risk of enamel damage by insisting on professional teeth whitening treatments. 

They Could Cause Sensitivity

If you're worried about tooth sensitivity, it's time to talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening treatments. Over-the-counter whitening treatments can increase your chances of developing tooth sensitivities. To prevent that problem, avoid the do-it-yourself approach to teeth whitening. Invest in a professional treatment instead.

For more information about teeth whitening, contact a local dental clinic.

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20 April 2022

Fillings: Everything You Need to Know

Hi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Kerry, and this blog is focused on dental fillings. It looks at the history of fillings, options for contemporary fillings, how to protect your fillings, when to replace them and much more. If you have ever had a cavity filled or if you are planning to get a tooth filled, you will find the information in this blog useful. I try to look at fillings from all angles, and I even plan to look at how to avoid fillings through proper dental hygiene and sealants. Thanks for reading, and I hope you find the info intellectually "filling."