Teeth whitening: Is it good for everyone?

By - Last Updated: 2015-01-11 -

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Teeth whitening is a very safe treatment, which offers wonderful benefits. Unfortunately, it is not for everyone. Find out whether teeth whitening is safe for you.

Age and pregnancy

Children under 16 years of age shouldn’t undergo the treatment because their teeth's pulp chambers and nerves are enlarged. The treatment can irritate pulp chamber and make it hypersensitive. Pregnant and nursing women should also avoid teeth whitening.

Sensitive teeth and allergies

If your teeth are sensitive to cold, hot or sour stimuli, or if your gums are prone to irritation you should definitely contact a dentist before the whitening treatment. Check also whether you are allergic to carbamide peroxide, which is the most popular ingredient of the whitening products.

Illnesses

You should avoid teeth whitening if you have gum problems, advanced caries, worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots. All possible oral cavity diseases have to be necessarily treated before the teeth whitening treatment. In the case of an exposed tooth root, the whitening treatment cannot be carried out because the tooth roots are not protected by enamel on which the whitener works.

Dental crowns and fillings

You should also avoid teeth whitening when your front teeth are filled with a dental composite or covered with a dental crown. Agents included in the preparations will whiten only the natural teeth and the shade of the artificial materials will not change. In return, you may be offered placing crowns or veneers on your healthy teeth.

Be a realist

Remember that the effect of the treatment will not last forever. Usually, the teeth will stay white for about two years. But, this period may shorten if you do not prevent the discoloration. Smokers and people who drink a lot of coffee or tea should take into consideration that after several months their teeth will stain again.

If your teeth are heavily discolored, it may be necessary to carry out more whitening treatments. Best effects are noticed by people whose teeth are yellow; grey and brown teeth are more difficult to whiten.

Keep a cool head

Some people believe that the teeth whitening process is similar to cleaning a dirty bathtub. They are afraid that the whiteners will permanently damage their enamel and that their teeth will get sensitive and delicate. It's a nonsense. You should remember that bleaching agents are chemical substances, not abrasive materials. Provided you follow the advices of a stomatologist, your teeth are going to be completely safe during the whitening treatment.

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