If You Are Thinking About Whitening Your Teeth
At some point in everyone’s life, he or she considers whitening his or her teeth. The media’s emphasis on physical appearance causes all of us to at least consider the procedure at some point. It’s hard to not notice your yellow teeth in the mirror. So, should you whiten your teeth?
You must understand that teeth whitening is not a simple process. It may take a long time, cost you a lot of money, or both. Be aware that it is not 100% safe, either. There are some health risks. Know what you are getting into before going through with a whitening treatment.
Teeth whitening products come in three forms: over-the-counter do-it-yourself, not-over-the-counter do-it-yourself, and laser teeth whitening. The first is easy and simple to find and start, while the latter two must be done through a dentist or other provider. In all but the over-the-counter do-it-yourself category, a bleaching agent is used. Even in the over-the-counter do-it-yourself category, most of the products involve the same bleaching agent. This bleach is applied to the teeth and is left on there for a while.
The Time Involved
Teeth whitening products, which you can buy over-the-counter, are usually required to be used for up to an hour a day and take anywhere from 7 to 14 days of use before the whitening effect is achieved. During that time, you cannot do much else; you cannot eat, drink, smoke, etc.
Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
Teeth whitening is great for teeth that are seriously stained. Teeth like these can be found in somebody who has had braces or heavy, long-term coffee drinkers. Be careful not to catch a case of “white-orexia,” or, an obsession with getting the teeth whiter. People like this will eventually end up teeth so white it appears unnatural and strange.
If your teeth are normal/normal-white, then you should not be looking at whitening. Sure, white teeth are good to have, but it can be overdone. Do not overdo it, as you will look silly.
Are your teeth or gums sensitive?
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, teeth whitening products can be uncomfortable or even unbearable. Whiteners can, and often do, cause tooth and gum sensitivity in even people with normal mouths; this can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, and sometimes it can be permanent.
Permanent sensitivity is uncommon and should not be feared by most people, as it is relatively rare. It occurs after heavy usage of teeth whitening products used for a very long time; most users will not have this problem if they “follow the directions.” However, keep it in mind that it is a possibility, and, by whitening your teeth, you are exposing yourself to that risk.
Sensodyne and other sensitive-teeth toothpastes are good for people during the whitening treatment. If your teeth are sensitive, or you think they might become sensitive, you should switch to Sensodyne or another similar product before, during, and for a short time after the teeth whitening procedure.
In the end, you must decide if you should get your teeth whitened. If you do, be sure you educate yourself on the various treatments before deciding on one. Do not pick one casually or haphazardly. Since everyone is different, you should read about the risks and benefits of each treatment before deciding. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether to get your teeth whitened and how to do so.