4 Scientifically-proven Ways to Ensure Teeth Whitening is 100% Safe
4 Scientifically-proven Ways to Ensure Teeth Whitening is 100% Safe
Not only is clinical teeth-whitening a proven method for giving you a winning smile, but countless studies have been performed to ensure that it is completely safe. Under the right circumstances. Despite being a routine procedure, teeth whitening sessions need to be performed by a licensed dentist, and take-home-kits must meet the standards put forward by health and dental organisations.
If done properly, teeth whitening could actually improve the overall standard of your teeth by encouraging you to take better care of them. But before any of that, you need to make sure that the circumstances of your teeth whitening session meet the required standards. These four teeth pieces of advice include studies, professional advice and news stories to ensure you’re getting the best teeth whitening treatment you deserve.
Avoid overbleaching
Edmond R Hewlett, DDS, a consumer advisor for the ADA (American Dental Association) has reported that there is ‘overwhelming evidence that, when used as directed, bleaching does not cause permanent damage to the teeth or gums.’
This is good news for anyone who wants a brighter smile, but it’s important to keep your bleaching sessions to the recommended amount. Irwin Smigel, the president of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics, reports that many of his patients report serious pain, often caused by too much bleaching treatments.
Dentists recommend a ‘touch up’ following your tooth whitening treatment every 4 – 6 months. Stick to this to ensure white teeth and a pain-free smile.
The home kit is approved
In January 2015 a reporter for the BBC investigated a beauty salon known as Simply Chic, where beauty therapist Janet Johnson was ordered to pay over £4000 in fines for unlawfully administering teeth whitening treatments. Footage obtained by the reporter via a hidden camera showed Janet Johnson still offering teeth whitening treatment, despite never having obtained a license.
When considering teeth whitening treatment either at home or in a dental office, make sure the at-home kit is approved by the proper institutions and that the professional is a licensed, practising dentist.
Make sure you’re the right candidate
With data obtained from a survey of US dental offices, Web MD reports that 1 in 8 adults may have sensitive teeth. The problem occurs when the enamel on the outside of the tooth or the tissue between the tooth and the gum is worn away, exposing inner nerves to triggers outside the tooth. This makes some food and drinks more painful to consume.
It is also something to consider before undergoing tooth whitening treatment. While there are reports that tooth whitening can cause sensitivity, this is not the case if you undertake the procedure correctly. If you suffer from sensitive teeth beforehand, however, you could experience severe discomfort during the procedure. Consult your dentist before you consider having tooth whitening treatment, either at home or in a dentist’s office.
Keep taking care of your teeth
Despite its high success rate, tooth whitening is a temporary procedure. After the procedure, your teeth will begin to stain again, especially if you are consuming food and drink known to stain teeth.
Following a tooth whitening session, don’t expect your teeth to remain that way. Use your beautiful new smile as an incentive to take even better care of your teeth, brushing regularly and properly, being careful about which foods stain your teeth, and the treatment will last longer. Also, avoid overbleaching and get the recommended amount of touch-ups.
