Teeth Whitening & Cavities: A Recipe for Disaster

Do your pearly whites not look as pearly or white as they used to? You’re not alone; tooth discoloration happens to almost everyone for many reasons, like poor dental hygiene, smoking, a coffee habit, or even the natural aging process. If you’re insecure about the color of your teeth, you may have avoided seeing your dentist for routine checkups, which means you could have untreated oral health issues you may not even notice. Purchasing over-the-counter teeth whitening products might seem like the answer, but whitening teeth that are unhealthy can actually damage your smile! Read on to learn how.

The Dangers of Whitening Teeth with Cavities

As important as it is to have a confident smile, health is always more important than aesthetics. Whether you see your dentist every six months on the dot or skip your regular checkups, certain health concerns like gum disease and tooth decay are fairly common. Because they often don’t reveal symptoms in the early stages, you might not even know there’s an issue until severe damage has already been done. That’s why it’s crucial to have your dentist routinely examine your mouth and treat these issues early on.

Teeth whitening products often contain hydrogen peroxide. This chemical has been known to irritate teeth that are sensitive, which can happen due to cavities or receding gums from an infection. Exposing these areas to peroxide can not only hurt, but it can even damage your tooth enamel.

Why You Should See a Dentist for Professional Teeth Whitening

While store-bought whiteners are affordable and convenient, they can end up doing more harm than good if you have tooth decay. By visiting your dentist for professional teeth whitening, you can be sure your smile will have a healthy foundation. The dentist will look over your mouth and address any health concerns before focusing on the way your teeth look.

Once your mouth is in good condition, your dentist will create a personalized treatment plan to help you attain your dream smile. Instead of using watered-down bleaching agents and one-size-fits-all trays, dentists use professional-grade whitening gels and customized trays designed to improve your unique smile. All you have to do is fill the trays with the gel and wear them for a set amount of time (typically 30 minutes or so) per day. After about two weeks, you should have a dazzling grin with long-lasting results that over-the-counter whiteners could never deliver!

Brighten Your Smile the Safe Way!

Teeth whitening and your oral health are more closely linked than you may have thought. If you’ve been hiding your smile because of discolored teeth, ask your dentist about how they can help you. With professional teeth whitening, you can safely give your confidence the boost it needed!

About the Author

Dr. Cooper Owens is a family and cosmetic dentist in Geneva, OH who obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry. Over the course of his 15+ years as a dentist, he has developed an approach to oral healthcare that is centered around each patient’s specific goals. To that end, he offers take-home teeth whitening kits that can help you get a brighter smile in just two weeks. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Dr. Owens’ office at 440-466-4884.