Is Teeth Whitening Safe? What You Need To Know
Did you know that Americans spend almost $2 billion each year to keep their teeth white and smiles so bright?
Our teeth suffer from habits like drinking coffee, wine, and smoking over time. It’s natural to want to spruce up your smile. And you may have asked the question, is teeth whitening safe?
The good news is teeth whitening is considered safe and effective, but it’s best to leave it to dental professionals for the best results. Keep reading to learn more about teeth whitening safety and how it can benefit you.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
According to the American Dental Association, there are safe options for teeth whitening available to use at home or your dentist’s office.
You can find many teeth whitening products on the market today. Toothpaste, gels, strips, and trays can be found in almost every drugstore. If you purchase an over-the-counter product, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal on the product you choose.
Some commercially available whitening products can be abrasive to your teeth and wear away your tooth’s enamel over time.
Also, keep in mind, you won’t achieve the same results as you would get from visiting a dental practice. Not to mention won’t be supervised by a professional to make sure you’re doing it safely and effectively.
Teeth Whitening at the Dentist Is Best
The best way to get your teeth white is to talk to your dentist. Your dentist can evaluate your dental health first and take care of any problems like gum disease or cavities. They can also make sure you have a healthy oral care routine in place.
Typically, your dentist will use a bleaching method with a substance called carbamide peroxide. It causes a chemical reaction that changes the color of your teeth.
Some dentists also use a combination of heat and light with this process. The best part is you’ll have visible results within 60 minutes.
Depending on the state of your teeth, you may need more than one treatment session to get the results you want.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
It’s important to know the results of teeth whitening are not permanent. The level of whiteness you can achieve depends on the overall condition of your teeth and the whitening system used.
Professional teeth whitening done at your dentist’s office can last from two to five years with regular touch-ups during your dental care visits.
Avoiding Stains
If you expose your teeth frequently to substances that cause staining, you might see them start to fade in less than a month. There are some things you can do to keep your smile shining as the days are long such as:
- Reduce red wine, black coffee, berries, and other strongly colored food
- Brush immediately after consuming strongly colored food
- Try to avoid tobacco, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
- Maintain good oral health practices by brushing your teeth twice daily
- Get regular cleanings to remove stains and plaques
- Get touch-up treatments every six months to a year
Make Your Smile Brighter Today
Now, you no longer have to ask, is teeth whitening safe? So, it’s time to take action.
The professionals at Plage Dentistry can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. We offer professional teeth whitening appointments, oral hygiene appointments, implants, and much more.
Make sure to contact us today to get your dental health and smile back on track!