Among the common side effects of teeth whitening treatments is tooth sensitivity. The degree of discomfort varies from person to person, but it usually lasts for a few days. The sensitivity is increased if you have thin enamel or cavities. Exposure to hot or cold temperatures will also increase your sensitivity.
The bleaching agent may also cause irritation of the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat. You should not swallow the bleaching agent, as it can lead to serious medical complications. Usually, tooth-related side effects go away within 48 hours, but if they continue or become severe, you should immediately seek medical attention.
In addition to the short-term discomfort, teeth whitening treatments also carry risks. While it is common for patients to experience tooth sensitivity during the first few days after the procedure, excessive bleaching can lead to irreversible damage to the teeth’s nerves. For this reason, most health practitioners recommend postponing the treatment while expecting.
Another side effect of teeth whitening is gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. The bleaching agent used in teeth whitening procedures can cause temporary tooth sensitivity, which is common and usually resolves on its own within several days. If you have sensitive teeth, your Wilmington dentist may use a different amount of teeth whitener or recommend a special toothpaste to reduce the sensitivity.
Precautions
Before you go to the dentist and get a teeth whitening treatment, it’s important to establish a regular oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing and flossing regularly. Ideally, you should also schedule a six-month check-up with your dentist. This will help your dentist catch any problems around your mouth, like cavities that might cause pain. The dentist can also prescribe the right treatment if necessary.
After your teeth whitening treatment, you should avoid eating and drinking dark-colored foods. These foods contain pigments and can stain your teeth. While they may not be harmful to your teeth during the treatment, they can damage your enamel over time. During and after the treatment, it is best to stick to light-colored vegetables and fruits. Also, avoid foods that contain high levels of acids.
During the first couple of days after your treatment, your teeth will be most sensitive. Avoid coffee and alcoholic drinks as they can eat away at your enamel. You should also avoid red wine, which contains high levels of acid. Coffee is the biggest culprit of teeth stains, so avoid consuming it during this time.
The whitening gel must be stored in a cool place. If you are storing it for a long time, refrigerate it after use. This will prevent it from becoming expired.
In-office whitening
An in-office teeth whitening treatment is a fast and convenient way to whiten your teeth. In just an hour, your dentist will apply a bleaching agent to your teeth. The bleaching agent releases oxygen molecules which penetrate stains. Afterward, you will be given a whitening kit and instructions to continue the process at home. Read more on BellaViso.
Before you undergo this procedure, your dentist will examine your gums and teeth and discuss your aesthetic goals. Your dentist may also recommend a complete teeth cleaning before the whitening procedure. Your dentist may also recommend veneers or dental bonding as an alternative to a whitening treatment. In some cases, you may not even be able to see the results of an in-office teeth whitening treatment.
An in-office teeth whitening treatment can cost up to $650 per treatment and may require multiple visits. To begin, your dentist will make a record of your current shade. Then, the teeth will be polished with pumice to remove any excess plaque. You will then be given gauze to cover your mouth while the procedure occurs. Sometimes, your dentist will use a retractor to keep your mouth from drying out while the treatment is going on. After your dentist completes the procedure, a barrier will be placed along your gum line to prevent bacteria from entering the mouth.
After the whitening agent has been applied, the dentist will use a blue LED light to activate the gel. This activates the ingredients in the gel, which then bleach away discoloration without damaging the tooth’s structure. After the treatment, you’ll need to rinse your mouth three times to remove the bleaching gel.
