Discolored or stained teeth are common, especially as people age. It is also more prevalent in certain types of lifestyle activities. For example, avid coffee drinkers may have more discoloration than someone who is not a coffee drinker. In addition, people who smoke will have stained teeth as well, and no matter how well you take care of your teeth, over time, they are sure to become slightly discolored. That’s why many people opt to whiten their teeth. Some people even attempt to do this themselves at home. However, before you try this, you need to be aware of the dangers of at-home teeth whitening. For professional dental teeth whitening in Waukegan, IL.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Before getting into the dangers of at-home teeth whitening, let’s review what teeth whitening involves. There are a few different at-home procedures for how this is done. Some people use whitening strips, which you apply to your teeth for a given amount of time, then take them off.
Other procedures involve trays, gels, and mouthwash. Whatever product you use will have chemicals in them to help whiten your teeth. The active ingredient in the teeth whitening kits is hydrogen peroxide. When it’s released, it turns to hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
The home whitening kits consist of a bleaching chemical that will usually only lighten mild stains, whereas, of severe stains, you need a dental whitening treatment.
What Are the Dangers of at Home Teeth Whitening?
While it may seem harmless enough to attempt this procedure, there are dangers of at-home teeth whitening. For one thing, since you are dealing with a powerful chemical, you must be very precise with the amount of time you place the whitening apparatus on your teeth. In addition, if you don’t apply them properly, you could suffer the consequences of irritation, demineralization of your teeth, pulp damage, and even tooth erosion.
Another issue is the length of time that you use the teeth whitening products. Every person is unique in their oral health needs. Therefore, it may be more damaging to one person than it would be to another. For example, if someone has some enamel erosion already, then he or she may not be able to tolerate the chemical on their teeth for the same length of time as others. There are many variables involved that only a dentist can evaluate.
White Teeth at Greenwood Dental
At Greenwood Dental, we offer quality teeth whitening services in the safety of our state-of-the-art facilities. We only use the most up-to-date techniques and equipment, so you are assured of receiving the ultimate care and avoiding the dangers of at-home teeth whitening.
In addition, our entire team is dedicated to staying on top of all the latest in dental education and technology. Our mission is to provide you with compassionate, excellent care.
When visiting our facility, you’ll find a broad range of services, including the following:
- Dental Implant Restoration
- Emergency Dental Care
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Oral Cancer Screening
Don’t let stained teeth interfere with your smile. Now that you know the dangers of at-home teeth whitening seek treatment at a qualified dental clinic. Contact Greenwood Dental at 855.528.3961, and schedule your appointment today.