Are you part of the 80 percent of Americans who wish their teeth were whiter? With professional in-office and take-home whitening kits, it’s easier than ever to blast away stubborn stains.
There is, however, one thing that may stand in your way – cavities. Keep reading to learn why cavities and whitening gels do not pair well at all. You can certainly pursue teeth whitening in Skokie, but your teeth need to be healthy first.
What If I Decide to Do Teeth Whitening with a Cavity?
Even a tooth that is totally healthy can become irritated by whitening bleach. It contains hydrogen peroxide, which can upset overly sensitive teeth.
If a cavity is present, it does not matter if the person’s teeth are normally sensitive. The whitening solution can reach the pulp of the tooth, which weakens and irritates the entire tooth. There have been cases where teeth with cavities were permanently damaged due to whitening bleach exposure.
Even tooth decay, which is only the preliminary stage of a cavity, will trigger sensitivity if you have a whitening treatment. Besides the pain, it’s also important to get a cavity on the biting surface of your tooth filled before whitening because it will help your custom bleaching trays fit more securely.
Consulting with Your Dentist About Whitening Is the Smart Move
If you are thinking about getting started with a teeth whitening regimen, it’s a good call to let your dentist know in advance. If you are having a professional whitening treatment performed by the dentist, this will take care of itself, but if you are going to try a store-bought kit you should share your plans.
They might have valuable advice to help you avoid sensitivity. Cavities or not, if you use whitening treatments too often it’s a near-certainty you are going to be in pain.
All it takes is a quick phone call to check in with your dentist. Plus, they will consider factors that you may not have thought of, like how dental crowns and fillings can’t be whitened.
Professional teeth whitening is effective, and it could work wonders for your smile, but you should make the effort to ensure all your teeth are structurally sound before you move forward. A dental exam and cleaning in advance of professional teeth whitening in Skokie could be perfect timing, as your dentist can verify if you are a good candidate for the treatment.
About the Practice
At Weiss Dental Arts, we believe our patients should receive quality care in comfort. That’s why we can provide a pillow and warm blanket while you wait, as well as headphones if you want to listen to music. It’s important to us that you are at ease during your time here. We are your cosmetic dentist in Skokie to offer professional teeth whitening via custom trays or take-home kits, but let’s make sure you don’t have any cavities first. To schedule an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning or to request teeth-whitening treatment, visit our website or call (847) 864-0188.