Teeth encounter many different materials and chemicals as they chew food over the decades, and many of these can leave unsightly dental stains and discoloration that do not respond to routine oral hygiene methods. While there are many teeth whitening products available, using them too frequently can strip your enamel of the minerals it needs to stay healthy and strong, leading to injuries and oral infections. Here’s what you should know about safely brightening your grin.
What Happens if I Whiten My Teeth Too Frequently?
Teeth whitening treatments work by applying bleaching agents to the enamel so they can eliminate the pigments and dyes that cause stains and discoloration. While this can brighten a smile, it also removes some of the minerals that give the enamel its strength and structure, so recently whitened teeth will be especially vulnerable to new stains and need a few days to remineralize afterward. It’s best to stick to a diet of white, mild foods for a while after treatment to prevent new discoloration as well as dental sensitivity.
However, back-to-back teeth whitening sessions will deprive your teeth of the time they need to recover after the initial treatment. This can erode the enamel, weaken the teeth, and set the person up for a host of oral health problems such as severe sensitivity and tooth decay.
How Can I Whiten My Teeth Safely?
While you can find a wide range of teeth whitening products at stores and pharmacies, these often produce lackluster results if any at all and may even lead to injuries due to poor manufacture or user error. Since they involve no professional oversight, the user may use these products too frequently, which can damage the teeth over time.
Professional teeth whitening treatments, on the other hand, are administered only with the supervision of a qualified dentist to ensure stunning results and maximum safety. This painless and noninvasive procedure begins with your oral health provider placing barriers in your mouth to protect your soft tissues before applying a few coats of concentrated whitening agent to your teeth. Then, they will use a specialized ultraviolet light to activate the bleaching effects.
This process can safely brighten your smile by up to eight shades in about an hour, and the results can last for up to three years if you practice excellent oral hygiene. You can also receive retreatments to maintain your grin’s shine as needed, and your dentist will only administer them after enough time has passed since your last session to ensure your safety and oral health.
Don’t let misinformed teeth whitening practices set you up for painful dental emergencies. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve your dream smile.
About the Practice
Skyline Dental Cosmetic and General Dentistry offers the finest oral healthcare in the Morristown area. Led by Drs. Aliana Henkin and Erilda Xholi, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys effective treatment with the utmost courtesy and compassion. Services offered include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening treatments. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact the team online or dial (862) 260-4116.