Teeth Whitening: Is It Safe for Everyone? Precautions and Considerations

The first thing people notice is your smile, and everyone wants to have a perfect smile. Unfortunately, your teeth can get in the way of having a perfect smile. However, you can visit the dentist who performs teeth whitening in Northwest Calgary. Teeth whitening is one of the most common dental procedures performed today, and this has led to the invention of many ways of whitening teeth. Some of the methods of whitening teeth can be done at home, while others need a dental professional to do it.

One concern that arises with teeth whitening is how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect afterward. We’ve covered these questions below and more about the treatment.

The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Maintaining White Teeth

Although your teeth lose their colour as you age, certain habits and foods can stain them faster. This means that you have control over how white your teeth are. Knowing some of the causes of teeth staining and whether they’re avoidable is essential in understanding the role that your diet and lifestyle play in maintaining white teeth.

Some of the avoidable causes of tooth staining include:

• Tobacco use and smoking- people who smoke have stained teeth more than people who don’t.
• Poor oral hygiene- failing to floss and brush teeth daily leads to the building of plaque that discolours teeth.
• Excessive fluoride- fluoride is helpful to our teeth but in small quantities. However, if you consume high levels of the mineral, especially during childhood, white spots begin to form, making the teeth lose their natural colour.
• Teeth-staining substances- fruits like berries, sauces and beverages like tea and red wine are known to stain teeth.

On the other hand, their unavoidable tooth discoloration causes. They include:

• Aging- as years go, your enamel becomes thinner, exposing the underlying dentin, which is yellow. Because of this, your teeth will appear discoloured.
• Certain diseases- health conditions like celiac and liver disease, metabolic disease, eating disorders, and calcium deficiency can cause teeth discoloration.
• Tooth trauma- no one expects an accident, and when it happens, the resulting injuries can lead to teeth staining.
• Genetics- you may be born with teeth that are not white.
• Certain medications- medications for high blood pressure and antihistamines can cause stains in your teeth.

Now you know what circumstances are avoidable and which ones are not. You should avoid smoking, eating teeth-staining foods and maintaining proper oral hygiene. You can also get help from a dentist near you to know the fluoride levels in your water to see if they are safe.

Teeth Whitening: What to Expect Before, During, and After the Treatment

What To Expect Before Teeth Whitening

• Go for a dental check-up before you go for in-office whitening.
• You should eat at least 30 minutes before the procedure.
• Consult with the cosmetic dentist about the shade you would want your teeth to look afterward.

What Happens During In-Office Teeth Whitening?

After visiting cosmetic dentistry in Calgary, the cosmetic dentist will first perform a dental cleaning. Dental cleaning is done to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth for better results. Next, the dentist places a gauze in your mouth to ensure it’s dry. Retractors are used to relax your jaw and ensure that the whitening gel does not come into contact with the soft tissues in your mouth.

The cosmetic dentist also paints your gums using a protective barrier to prevent gum irritation due to the whitening gel. The gel is then painted on the front surface of the teeth. A special light activates the whitening gel for better and faster results.

What To Expect After In-Office Teeth Whitening

The advantage of this procedure is that it is painless and quick. You might only feel a bit of tingling when the specialized light is activated. Furthermore, you might experience heightened sensitivity, especially when you take anything cold or hot. However, this sensitivity should resolve in 1 or 2 days. If the sensitivity persists, you should consult the dentist about which pain medication you can take.

The good news is that there are tips to ensure a smooth road to recovery. They include:

• Avoid acidic foods.
• Brush your teeth gently.
• Follow up with your cosmetic dentist.
• Avoid coloured foods.
• Utilize sensitivity products like toothpaste that help with tooth sensitivity.

Carrington Dental cares about our patient’s smiles. If you think your teeth are getting in the way of having a healthy and perfect smile, don’t hesitate to visit us. Our dentist will check your teeth and perform teeth whitening to revitalize your smile.