Several years ago I decided to take a trip to the dentist after skipping multiple appointments for over 15 years. I truly had a dental anxiety and had a hard time getting over my fears. Thankfully, my dental visit went smoothly with only four cavities identified. What I did find from this dental visit was that there was a great deal of new information and technology that I had been missing out on. Laser-based technology and digital imaging are just a few examples. With this blog, I want you to understand that you can get over your fears and learn about this new technology like I did, so enjoy the information.
If you want a white and bright smile, you should put on the brakes before trying to whiten your teeth. While having a white smile is great, making sure that you don't damage your mouth in the process is just as important. Read on to learn why it's a good reason to visit your dentist before having your teeth whitened.
Weak Enamel
Enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth, and the strongest layer, too. Enamel protects the inside of your teeth from harm. Unfortunately, many at-home tooth whitening methods can damage the enamel of your teeth, especially if it's already weakened.
Make no mistake; you may have weak enamel without even knowing it. Acidic foods and beverages like juice and fruit can break down enamel over time, making your teeth more susceptible to damage. Your dentist can quickly assess your teeth and determine if your enamel is at risk, and provide solutions to improve the appearance and condition of your teeth.
Exposed Dentin
Unlike the strong protective enamel, dentin is the soft and vulnerable surface underneath. Dentin has a yellow appearance, so if it becomes exposed, it can make your teeth look like they're stained or discolored. This might encourage you to whiten your teeth, but doing so with exposed dentin could be hazardous.
Dentin is the inner pulp of your tooth, which can be easily harmed. The strong compounds like bleach or peroxide that are often used to whiten teeth can harm your dentin quite easily, and potentially put you in a lot of pain, as even the nerves in your teeth could be damaged.
Professional Whitening
If your dentist notices any of these problems or you just want to have your teeth whitened safely, consider talking to your dentist about having your teeth whitened by them. Dentists have access to a wide range of methods to whiten teeth, which often give better results in a shorter amount of time. In addition, your dentist can choose the method that will best suit your dental health, and they'll be able to protect your gum tissue to prevent it from being harmed by any strong substances used to whiten your teeth.
Whitened teeth can give you a polished and perfect appearance, but you should always consider talking to a dentist before taking your oral health into your hands. If you're due for a checkup, make an appointment to see a dentist before trying to whiten your teeth. Contact a business such as Barnstable Dental Associates for more information.
Share25 April 2017
