Unqualified Teeth Whitening Poses a Serious Health Risk
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular and sought-after cosmetic dental procedures. Everyone desires a perfect smile backed by a beautiful set of pearly white teeth. And thanks to modern dental technologies, you can achieve this through a simple low-cost procedure. However, many people unknowingly put their oral health at risk by having their treatment done by an unqualified professional.
While many estheticians claim to now offer professional teeth whitening services to their clients, performing this procedure outside a dentist’s office is actually illegal in most states. This is because dental issues such as tooth sensitivity can result from teeth whitening and only a dentist is qualified enough to properly deal with such problems. Your esthetician doesn’t have the dental training required and isn’t familiar with the necessary safety procedures to protect your mouth from harmful chemicals.
Most states classify teeth whitening as a dental procedure, which means that teeth whitening by estheticians is typically done in violation of the state’s dental licensing rules. This then brings into question the validity of their insurance. This can prove to be problematic in case any issues arise after the teeth whitening procedure.
When it comes to teeth whitening at home, there are several options available including teeth-whitening strips. At-home teeth whitening kits are a popular option since they are much cheaper than professional teeth whitening. And if bought from a reputable seller, they are generally very safe. But on the downside, they have a much lower concentration of active ingredients and thus, are less effective in whitening your teeth. Also, they require to be used regularly over a period of time to realize any notable results.
Professional Teeth Whitening at the Dentist’s Office Offers the Best Results
At the dentist’s office, professional-grade bleaching agents with a higher concentration of active ingredients are used to deliver quicker and better whitening results. Since this procedure is done under the supervision of a qualified dental practitioner, it is done safely.
Before applying the bleaching agent, the dentist will first apply a special gel to protect your gums and the rest of your mouth. The safest and most effective option when it comes to teeth whitening is using a reputable dental practitioner such as those at the Sacramento River Dental Group dental office.
Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening
The benefits of teeth whitening are pretty obvious, which explains why so many people undergo this procedure. To begin with, it helps to boost your confidence if you are conscious about the color of your teeth. And secondly, if done by a dentist, it is safe, relatively low cost, and gives you quick, better, and long-lasting results.
There are some downsides to teeth whitening too though. One is that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution. This means that you may require touch-ups once every few months. Secondly, you may experience teeth sensitivity following the procedure. Fortunately, it dissipates once you are done with the treatment.
Contact our Sacramento River Dental Group dental office today through our online contact form for safe and effective teeth whitening.
3 Things to Avoid When Whitening Your Teeth
Whether you chose to use at-home teeth whitening kits or seek out professional teeth whitening at a dentist’s office, you should note that teeth whitening is a process and it can take weeks for you to see the desired results. However, to get the best out of your teeth whitening treatments, there are number of things that you need to avoid:
Coffee
While coffee is one of the most beloved beverages, it is also known to stain and discolor teeth. When you are in the process of whitening your teeth, coffee is something that you’d want to avoid. Coffee, especially black coffee, can yellow your teeth in a matter of minutes. If you have to take coffee to get your daily morning energy boost, it will help to drink some water after every sip. This helps to break down the coffee’s acidity.
Red wine
After a long day, many people enjoy having a glass of red wine to help them relax and unwind. Red wine is known for its many health benefits such as antioxidants, however, it can also stain or tint your teeth. So, instead of going for red wine, consider getting a glass of white wine or avoid alcoholic drinks altogether.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a popular ingredient in many kinds of meals including American, Mexican, and Italian. However, what you might not know is that tomatoes can also stain and discolor your teeth. This is because the juice in the tomatoes which is highly acidic can stick to your teeth causing them to look dingy and less white. So, if you are in the process of whitening your teeth, consider avoiding salads with tomatoes or spaghetti with marinara sauce. Look for the best next alternative.
Getting your teeth white and keeping your them as white as possible and for as long as possible is not easy. You will need to put in some additional work. A good place to start once you begin the treatment is avoiding the above-named food items. This will go a long way in optimizing the results of your treatment. Get in touch with us today to learn more.