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.
Whitening is usually done either with over-the-counter products or with lasers. The former is easy to get a hold of, while the latter requires visiting a dentist or a health and beauty spa. Most whitening products contain a form of bleach that needs to sit on your teeth for a long period.
The Amount of Time Needed
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are usually required to be used for an hour every day for 7 to 14 days. While using them, you are restricted from any activity which you must use your mouth. You can still talk, but you cannot eat, drink, smoke, etc.
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 they are, teeth whitening treatments will be uncomfortable or even unbearable. Teeth whitening treatments can make your teeth and gums sensitive, and this usually lasts from 24 to 48 hours, although it is permanent in some.
Permanence only occurs after intense, long periods of whitening, something that most will avoid if they follow the teeth whitening treatment directions, but remember that it is always a possibility.
You can use Sensodyne or another sensitive-teeth toothpaste during the period before, during, and shortly after your teeth whitening procedure. In fact, we recommend you do, even if your teeth normally are not sensitive, as sensitivity is a very common side effect even in those who have normally non-sensitive teeth.
In the end, you must decide if you should get your teeth whitened. If you do, be sure you educate yourself on the various treatments before deciding on one. Do not pick one casually or haphazardly. Since everyone is different, you should read about the risks and benefits of each treatment before deciding. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether to get your teeth whitened and how to do so.
Cody Scholberg is an expert on teeth whitening products. Check out his reviews of Whitestrips before you buy them!
