Want to Whiten Your Teeth?
Almost everyone in our society considers whitening his or her teeth at some point, even if just for a second. With so much emphasis on white teeth in our media, it is hard not to think about it. Most people are guilty of seeing a commercial for teeth whitening products and examining their own teeth in a mirror shortly thereafter. However, not everyone should whiten his or her teeth. How do you know if you should?
You must understand that teeth whitening is not a simple process. It may take a long time, cost you a lot of money, or both. Be aware that it is not 100% safe, either. There are some health risks. Know what you are getting into before going through with a whitening treatment.
Teeth whitening products come in three forms: over-the-counter do-it-yourself, not-over-the-counter do-it-yourself, and laser teeth whitening. The first is easy and simple to find and start, while the latter two must be done through a dentist or other provider. In all but the over-the-counter do-it-yourself category, a bleaching agent is used. Even in the over-the-counter do-it-yourself category, most of the products involve the same bleaching agent. This bleach is applied to the teeth and is left on there for a while.
The Amount of Time Needed
Both the over-the-counter and non-over-the-counter do-it-yourself treatments require about an hour a day (except a certain few products), and they must be used for 7 to 21 days. While the products are being used, the activities you can do are limited; you cannot eat, smoke, or drink
Do you really need the whitening?
Teeth whitening products are good for people with seriously stained teeth. You might have seriously stained teeth if you have been drinking lots of coffee or tea for a very long time, or you might have teeth like this if you have had braces which stained your teeth. Just make sure you are not "white-orexic" and obsessed with getting your teeth whiter and whiter. Some people will whiten their teeth so much that it looks strange and unnatural.
Your teeth should look normal/normal-white. If they do, you do not need a whitening treatment. White teeth are a nice thing to have, but it can be easily overdone. You will look silly if you whiten your teeth too much.
Are your teeth or gums sensitive?
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, teeth whitening products can be uncomfortable or even unbearable. Whiteners can, and often do, cause tooth and gum sensitivity in even people with normal mouths; this can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, and sometimes it can be permanent.
Sensitivity that sticks around forever usually only occurs after heavy, long-term whitening. People who follow the directions on the box and use their whitening products in moderation will not use these long enough to experience this, for the most part. However, please understand that permanent sensitivity is a possibility.
There are many different toothpastes made for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne, that can reduce the sensitivity associated with teeth whitening treatments. We recommend that all users use them, as temporary sensitivity is likely to occur even in people with normally non-sensitive mouths. Use these toothpastes before, during, and for a short time after your treatment.
The decision is yours in the end. Regardless of which teeth whitening treatment you choose, you should make sure to educate yourself before going through with it. Everyone is different, so read the risks and benefits of all of them, do not get caught up in what others think, and finally, choose the product or treatment that is best for you. Happy whitening!
You must understand that teeth whitening is not a simple process. It may take a long time, cost you a lot of money, or both. Be aware that it is not 100% safe, either. There are some health risks. Know what you are getting into before going through with a whitening treatment.
Teeth whitening products come in three forms: over-the-counter do-it-yourself, not-over-the-counter do-it-yourself, and laser teeth whitening. The first is easy and simple to find and start, while the latter two must be done through a dentist or other provider. In all but the over-the-counter do-it-yourself category, a bleaching agent is used. Even in the over-the-counter do-it-yourself category, most of the products involve the same bleaching agent. This bleach is applied to the teeth and is left on there for a while.
The Amount of Time Needed
Both the over-the-counter and non-over-the-counter do-it-yourself treatments require about an hour a day (except a certain few products), and they must be used for 7 to 21 days. While the products are being used, the activities you can do are limited; you cannot eat, smoke, or drink
Do you really need the whitening?
Teeth whitening products are good for people with seriously stained teeth. You might have seriously stained teeth if you have been drinking lots of coffee or tea for a very long time, or you might have teeth like this if you have had braces which stained your teeth. Just make sure you are not "white-orexic" and obsessed with getting your teeth whiter and whiter. Some people will whiten their teeth so much that it looks strange and unnatural.
Your teeth should look normal/normal-white. If they do, you do not need a whitening treatment. White teeth are a nice thing to have, but it can be easily overdone. You will look silly if you whiten your teeth too much.
Are your teeth or gums sensitive?
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, teeth whitening products can be uncomfortable or even unbearable. Whiteners can, and often do, cause tooth and gum sensitivity in even people with normal mouths; this can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, and sometimes it can be permanent.
Sensitivity that sticks around forever usually only occurs after heavy, long-term whitening. People who follow the directions on the box and use their whitening products in moderation will not use these long enough to experience this, for the most part. However, please understand that permanent sensitivity is a possibility.
There are many different toothpastes made for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne, that can reduce the sensitivity associated with teeth whitening treatments. We recommend that all users use them, as temporary sensitivity is likely to occur even in people with normally non-sensitive mouths. Use these toothpastes before, during, and for a short time after your treatment.
The decision is yours in the end. Regardless of which teeth whitening treatment you choose, you should make sure to educate yourself before going through with it. Everyone is different, so read the risks and benefits of all of them, do not get caught up in what others think, and finally, choose the product or treatment that is best for you. Happy whitening!
About the Author:
Cody Scholberg is an expert on teeth whitening products. Check out his reviews of Whitestrips before you buy them!
