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Cavities and Teeth Whitening: A Dangerous Combination

September 11, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — alldentals @ 11:49 pm
Tooth with untreated cavity, not suitable for teeth whitening

Would you like a brighter smile? Whether you are preparing for year-end festivities with your family or just want a nice pick-me-up for your smile, a teeth whitening treatment can do much to boost your confidence. But before you head to the store to pick up a whitening kit, you should visit your dentist for a checkup. Applying whitening agents to a tooth with a cavity could cause some significant pain and damage. In this blog post, we explain why that is the case and provide tips on how you can whiten your teeth safely.

Cavities and Teeth Whitening Do Not Mix

Teeth whitening and your oral health usually do not have a bad relationship. In fact, when done properly, whitening treatments are usually quite safe. However, it is a different story when cavities or decay are present. Most whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or a similar chemical as the main ingredient. When the peroxide penetrates the tooth, it goes into the inner layers and breaks up pigment molecules. In a healthy tooth, this might cause a temporary increase in dental sensitivity. In a decayed tooth, it can cause significant pain. In a worst-case scenario, you might end up causing further, permanent damage to the already suffering tooth.

Visit Your Dentist First

If it has been a while since your last dental checkup, it would be wise to schedule one soon. Your dentist will look for signs of cavities and provide necessary treatment. Once any cavities are filled, it should be safe for you to move ahead with your whitening plans.

While you are at your dentist’s office, you might also ask about professional teeth whitening treatments. Over-the-counter products can be somewhat effective, but professional ones are more powerful and work faster. Plus, since the treatment takes place under the close supervision of a dental team, you can enjoy greater peace of mind.

Other Tips for Safe Teeth Whitening

Here are some additional tips to make your teeth whitening endeavor as safe and comfortable as possible:

  • Follow the instructions. If you are using an over-the-counter or at-home professional whitening kit, it is important that you follow the provided instructions. For example, you should not leave the whitening products on your teeth for longer than instructed or whiten your teeth more often than once every few months.
  • Change your diet. Temporarily avoiding acidic, hot, and cold foods and beverages can minimize the discomfort from any sensitivity.
  • Protect your gums. Whitening agents can irritate the gums, so try your best to avoid placing white strips or similar products anywhere except your tooth enamel. This can be tricky to accomplish with over-the-counter products, but professional kits usually include custom trays that make it easy to protect your gums.

Teeth whitening is usually a safe cosmetic treatment — but it should be reserved only for healthy teeth. Your dentist will be happy to help you achieve a brighter smile without risking your oral health.

Meet the Practice

The dentists and specialists at All Dental in Westborough offer a broad range of cosmetic and restorative dental services, including fillings, take-home whitening, and in-office whitening. If you have questions about how you can improve the health or appearance of your teeth, they would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 508-217-7265.

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