Are you interested in brightening your pearly whites? If so, then professional teeth whitening may be the ideal solution for you. By undergoing either an in-office or at-home procedure, you’ll be able to show off a dazzling smile you can be proud of! However, you’ll only want to get this treatment if your oral health is in good condition, as certain situations can cause complications afterward, such as cavities. Read on to learn about the potential risks of receiving teeth whitening when you have cavities in your smile.
What Happens If I Whiten My Teeth with Cavities?
It isn’t a good idea to brighten your smile with a whitening kit if you have oral health issues, including cavities. Many of these store-bought products contain bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide. Though these ingredients can effectively remove stains, they can also exacerbate any sensitivity in your teeth, even if they’re healthy. If there’s a cavity present during your treatment, the whitening substance can end up contacting the inner layers of your tooth, resulting in immense discomfort.
To avoid this issue, you’ll need to schedule an initial consultation with your dentist so that they can thoroughly examine your oral health. They’ll be able to address any developing or underlying issues they may detect, such as gum disease or cavities, that can interfere with your teeth whitening. Even minor cavities or cracks may not show any symptoms until after you try to brighten your smile.
How Can Professional Whitening Help Me Avoid Complications?
Professional teeth whitening procedures will be customized to address your specific dental needs. Not only will the bleaching agents be more effective than store-bought items, but they’ll also be much safer for your teeth and gums. Your dentist will also always ensure that any existing issues are dealt with before beginning your whitening treatment. You’ll be able to choose between an in-office procedure, which can brighten your pearly whites in as little as an hour, or an at-home bleaching kit to gradually enhance your teeth over a couple of weeks. With either treatment, you can be sure to receive even whitening for beautiful results you won’t find with store-bought products.
Instead of gambling with do-it-yourself methods, you’d be better off visiting your cosmetic dentist for professional teeth whitening. You’ll be able to show off a brighter smile while keeping your pearly whites safe and healthy!
About the Author
Dr. Lisa Wadsworth earned her dental doctorate from the University of Florida and has been delivering excellent care for well over two decades. She’s also a member of several groups like the American Dental Association and the Florida Dental Association, and she regularly seeks continuing education to refine her skills. She offers a wide range of high-quality and comprehensive services, including KöR teeth whitening. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call her at 352-750-0008.