Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Your Enamel and Gums?

Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Your Enamel and Gums?

Are you curious whether professional dental bleaching can negatively impact your teeth and gums? A brighter smile is something that appeals to a lot of people, but the issue of safety is what makes them hesitate. The truth is that it is a great and safe procedure if it is done with the care of a professional. The procedure of teeth whitening in Lloydminster is typically acceptable and very efficient. The question is, how teeth whitening is done, what dangers the patient can encounter, and how to safeguard the enamel and gums.

How Does Teeth Whitening Affect Enamel?

Enamel is the tough outer layer that acts as a shield for the teeth. Gels with peroxide as the main ingredient are used in professional whitening treatments to get rid of the stains. These gels are not the reason for the weakening or thinning of enamel; they simply break the stain molecules that are present on the surface.

One of the main differences between professional and home use is that the former is administered in a way that the exposure is minimized, thus there is no risk of overexposure. Hence, you can still have strong enamel while getting a brighter smile.

Can Whitening Harm Your Gums?

If the whitening gel comes in contact with the delicate gum tissue, then a few individuals may suffer from short-term gum discomfort. In most cases, this condition arises as a result of poorly fitting trays and non-customized home products.

During gum treatment with a dentist in Lloydminster, you are given professional protection elements that prevent the contact of the sensitive tissues with the whitening agents. As a result, the risk of sensitivity is minimized, and the agents used for whitening are kept only on your teeth.

Is Professional Whitening Safer Than At-Home Products?

Yes, they are safer and their results are more predictable. Over-the-counter strips or gels might have peroxide in uneven amounts, which can cause patchy results and also some irritation.

Comparison of professional and non-professional treatments:

  • Safety: A professional dental whitening is under the supervision of a dental team who are there to help if something goes wrong, whereas at-home kits have the risk of misuse or even accidents.
  • Results: The fast, even and long-lasting results of the in-office whitening are only achievable within the first visit, while slower results with over-the-counter products are noticed after a few weeks of usage.
  • Gum Protection: Dentists use customized shields to protect your gums, which at-home kits do not offer.
  • Comfort: The level of sensitivity during the treatment can be adjusted in a professional car, whereas some store-bought options may cause discomfort, and hence, it is not possible to continue the treatment.

What Side Effects Should You Expect?

Though teeth whitening near you is definitely safe, the patient can experience some minor side effects. These are, as a rule, short-term and disappear within a few days:

  • Sensitivity of the teeth (a temporary reaction to hot or cold)
  • Inflammation of the gums, irritation, if the gel comes into contact with the soft tissue
  • Uneven whitening if the discoloration is very deep or results from the inside of the tooth

The dentist will be able to recommend a toothpaste for tooth sensitivity and lower the strength of the whitening gel if necessary.

How Can You Protect Your Teeth After Whitening?

Keeping your outcomes is equally important as the procedure. Some tips are:

  • Avoid drinking coffee, tea, or red wine for the first 48 hours.
  • Rinse your mouth after meals to lower the chance of stains.
  • Brush with fluoride toothpaste to keep your enamel strong.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings.

By following these steps, your results can last a long time.

Why is Professional Advice Essential?

It is very hard to decide which one to choose when there are so many whitening products available. A reliable and reputable dentist near youcan provide you with the safest methods, advise on the suitable intensity for your teeth, and also check your oral health. By doing so, you will be able to obtain a shining look without facing any dangers.

Ready to Brighten Your Smile Safely?

It is important to always maintain good oral health. Dental whitening performed by an expert is definitely not harmful to your tooth enamel and gums, given that the experts are adjusting the treatment for your needs. Schedule your visit to Lotus Family Dental and let go of your self-consciousness with a healthy and radiant smile!

Disclaimer

Dr. Marianne Stelmaschuk is a Lloydminster General Dentist. She is not a specialist in Cosmetic or Family Dentistry. Cosmetic and Family Dentistry are not specialties recognized by the Alberta Dental Association & College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA). She provides Cosmetic and Family Dental procedures such as Porcelain Veneers, Dental Crowns, Invisalign, and Teeth Whitening as part of her General Dentistry license. As a Lloydminster Family Dentist, she provides General Dental procedures for all ages within the family. Dr. Prabhjot Singh is a licensed Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and can offer Oral Maxillofacial specialty services as part of his license.

780-800-2307