Teeth Whitening: Just Before You Consider It

All teeth whitening methods are safe when applied according to directions. However, no two sets of teeth are alike and may therefore react differently to different methods. No matter, it will always be safest to consult with a dentist before any teeth whitening are applied. This may cause a little inconvenience for a time but then it is always best and for the most part it is only a one time visit. After that you could be on your own and consider home kits and self help solutions. Never though must tooth whitening be done on kids below sixteen years old, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

Following are some of the risks that are frequently encountered.

Increased teeth sensitivity

This is more likely to happen when the treatment is done in a clinic or a health spa because bleaching agents that are used are more concentrated than home bleaching kits. More concentration of the bleaching agents however means faster results compared to home treatment methods that are very much "watered down" to insure safety. 

Some of the risks that are likely to occur are sensitivity to touch, temperature and pressure. For persons with sensitive teeth though, toothpastes containing potassium nitrate are recommended. Even without specialty toothpastes, the sensitivity is usually over in two days. However, persons with recessed gums, faulty tooth restoration and cracked teeth are more likely to encounter shooting pains.

Irritation 

Bleaching agents contain peroxides. Peroxides when it gets in contact with the soft tissues inside the mouth will often give a tingling sensation that may not be pleasant to about half of the patients undergoing teeth whitening. Peroxides also have a taste that may be unpleasant to some. In any case though the taste is very bearable and the tingling sensation may be ticklish but the feeling is always a cleaner mouth afterwards.

Normally, irritation of the soft tissues in the mouth could last several days. For most people though, the irritation lasts only while the bleaching agent is in the mouth and dissipates gradually with use or when the strength of the mix is reduced. Again not everyone suffers mouth and gum irritation.

Uneven Teeth Coloration

Mouth whitening and bleaches only affect the color of the teeth. What it does not bleach are crowns, veneers, restorations and other materials relative to tooth repairs. So while the teeth are becoming whiter with every application, those that are not retain its original color and results to uneven coloration. 

The best part is, unlike most cosmetic procedures, teeth whitening are really very inexpensive. Teeth whitening price ranges only from $100 to $400 except for complicated procedures but those procedures are rare.

The risks therefore are very much worth it. In days like this when cosmetic surgery reigns supreme, when we are judged by our looks (no matter what the cover of the book says), when Hollywood sets the standard for pleasantness and likability, and when everyone around us spends a fortune to look good, a yellow smile is not an option.
