Do you wish your teeth were whiter? If so, you’re not alone. The teeth whitening industry was worth $3.2 billion dollars in 2017.
You can whiten your teeth with at home bleaching strips or at your dentist. Either way, you’re likely to be left with a much whiter smile that you’ll want to show off. A white smile can help you feel more confident and smile more. Those two results alone should be enough to send you to the store to purchase a whitening kit.
But should you be so quick to whiten your teeth? Although it’s a common practice, you may be concerned about the impact it can have on your teeth.
Is teeth whitening really safe?
Teeth whitening is so common that there are no serious consequences, but whitening can have some troubling side effects.
Sensitivity and gum irritation are the most common side effects. Neither of which are devastating, but they can be uncomfortable. Luckily these are both preventable and the discomfort shouldn’t last long.
The sensitivity can be prevented and helped by purchasing a special sensitivity toothpaste. Gum irritation can be avoided by not exposing gums to the bleach in the whitening kit. If you do experience either, your discomfort should pass not long after your treatment.
An at home whitening kit, while it is developed by dental professionals, can be more difficult to use and can cause more damage. If you leave the strips on too long or use them too frequently you can strip away enamel on your teeth.
If you are whitening your teeth at home it’s important to always follow the instructions on the box. It may take a while to get your teeth as white as you want them.
The best and safest way to whiten your teeth is to visit a dentist. Having your teeth whitened by a professional will ensure that your teeth are safe throughout the process. Aside from being the safer choice, these whitening treatments will help you see results faster.
Are you interested in learning about teeth whitening? Are you wondering if it’s safe to whiten your teeth with dental implants? Our office can answer and address your questions and concerns. Give us a call today to learn more about whitening your teeth safely.
