New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
A simple online search or a walk through your local big box store makes it obvious that there are lots of teeth whitening products available for at-home use. Some of them are even moderately effective and might help you get rid of pesky dental stains. But what if your results do not last as long as you would like? Should you just whiten your teeth as often as you take a whim to do so? Caution is in order! In this blog post, you will learn about the dangers of using teeth whitening products too frequently and discover a better alternative to store-bought kits.
The Dangers of Over-Whitening Your Teeth
Many over-the-counter teeth whitening products are safe — but only if they are used properly. For example, one popular brand of whitening strips recommends that you use them for 14 days in a row and then wait at least 6 months before using them again.
What happens if you fail to heed such instructions? You might experience:
- Severe or ongoing dental sensitivity. Over-whitening can cause significant enamel damage and might lead to permanent discomfort when you eat hot, cold, spicy, or acidic foods.
- Gum irritation. Store-bought whitening products may get some bleaching agents on your gums, which can cause significant irritation over time.
- Translucent teeth. Over-use of whitening products might cause your teeth to become translucent or take on a glassy look, especially around their edges. This problem is not usually reversible.
Safely Whiten Your Teeth
The safest way to whiten your teeth is with the help of a qualified dental team. Professional whitening is safer than over-the-counter options for a few reasons:
- You will undergo an exam to make sure your teeth are healthy enough for whitening. This should catch issues like untreated cavities and gum disease.
- Professional whitening formulas are powerful. They can produce better results than over-the-counter whitening products, meaning you may feel the urge to whiten your teeth less often.
- Professional treatment can be customized. If you are concerned about sensitivity or certain stubborn types of stains, your dental team can customize your whitening experience to suit your needs.
If you still decide to use over-the-counter products, be sure to consult with your dentist first and carefully follow the product’s instructions.
Whitening your teeth should be a positive experience! Avoid overdoing it so you can enjoy a more confident smile without harming your oral health.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, we proudly offer a range of cosmetic dental services, including both in-office and take-home professional whitening. If you would like to get rid of dental stains in the safest way possible, we would be pleased to assist you. Contact our New Haven, CT, office at 203-712-4068.