Teeth Whitening Safety Tips

All of us desire to have shiny while pearls. They add to your looks and also increase your confidence and makes up for a pleasing personality. You would go to any length to achieve a dazzling smile. Thanks to the number of teeth whitening products available in the market, achieving a beautiful smile is well within your reach. From visiting a dentist’s office to using a number of over the counter solutions, you have a number of options to explore. Though side effects of teeth whitening aren’t very common, you need to exercise precautions to minimize the chances of side effects. Here in this brief write-up we shall discuss a number of teeth whitening safety tips. 

Pay Visit To A Dental Office   
 

Before you get going with teeth whitening it is important that you see your dentist first. The dentist would carry out a thorough cleaning and mouth examination to determine the best solution for your teeth whitening. This is important even if you want to use over the counter medication as they can affect the health of your teeth and gums if you have any emerging problem. A dentist would look for cavities, infection in your gums and other problems before suggesting a solution that is safe for your teeth and gums. They would also educate you on the amount of whitening you can expect with these products. 

Choose Products Wisely    

Most at-home teeth whitening products are made of peroxides, typically carbamide peroxide that can vary in their volume/volume percent. Typically you would find products ranging from 10% to 20%. To start with you need to choose peroxide levels somewhere in the bottom of the range of in the middle. If this product doesn’t bother your mouth or doesn’t provide you the desired whitening you need to choose a higher range of peroxide. You may also ask your dentist to suggest you a range during your visit. If the product causes any adverse side effects, stop immediately and consult with dentist.    
Follow Instructions Carefully   

Before you get going with your teeth whitening, you need to follow instructions mentioned in the teeth whitening product carefully. This is important even if you have used similar products in the past.     Never leave the strips or gels any longer that it is advised as this can damage your teeth and cause sores in the gums. You must religiously avoid eating food immediately after whitening and also avoid soda, sports drinks and acidic for a few hours after you have use these products. They can react with peroxides and corrode your teeth. 

When to Avoid Whitening   

 
Pregnant women and nursing mothers shouldn’t use teeth whitening products. Though this isn’t known to cause any major side effects to the infants, it should be done to be on the safe side. Also if you have porcelain or composite dental crowns, avoid whitening at home as this can lead to uneven shades in your teeth and make your smile look bad. Consult your dentist and you may need to undergo clinical whitening. 

Never Over Do It    

Last but not the least, you should never try and over-do teeth whitening. A once-a-month whitening session is usually advised initially and when you have achieved a desired shade you need to do it once a year or every six months. Over doing it can damage your teeth and you should avoid it at any cost. 

Most whitening products make your teeth sensitive but this only lasts for a short span of time. If tooth sensitivity is bothering you, get in touch with your dentist immediately.

What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are two terms which are exceedingly used interchangeably. But they are two different conditions, both of which fall under the spectrum of periodontal disease. Gum diseases are on the whole known as periodontal disease. It begins with bacterial growth and can lead to severe problems such as tooth loss if not treated in time.  

Gingivitis  
 

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. It is caused when excess plaque gathers around the teeth. Unhealthy oral hygiene, irregular brushing and flossing can eventually lead to gingivitis. If you are experiencing red, swollen gums orgums that tend to bleed easily you could be suffering from gingivitis. Gingivitis usually occurs before periodontitis or gum disease. However, not all cases of gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. 

At the stage of gingivitis, your gums may swell up and cause irritation but the teeth will continue to be firmly placed on their sockets. At this stage, no bone or tissue is damaged.
 

Gingivitis can be cured by following a few things regularly, such as –

• Brushing teeth twice daily
• Flossing at least once daily. If necessary, you can also floss twice a day.
• Using a non-alcohol-based fluoride mouthwash that doesn’t hit the gums sharply.  

Periodontitis (Gum Disease)    

Periodontal disease or periodontitis happens not just when you have inflamed gums but with infection. Gum infection can be the result of bacteria built up in the plaque, tartar and in the gum tissues. The infection can get so severe that the body’s immune system cannot heal it any longer. You can determine how severe the gum disease is by the following ways –

• Periodontal Probe – Take a little rule and measure how well the gums are attached to the teeth. If you have a pocket as long as 3mm, you are safe. But if the 3mm pocket is bleeding, it could be gingivitis. Over 4mm deep pocket which is bleeding and even has pus can be periodontitis.
• X-Ray –An x-ray will help you assess the amount of tartar accumulation. If large pieces are seen on the x-ray, it indicates that there is a high probability of gum disease.
• Bone Loss –If there is considerable bone loss, as identified on x-rays, you are definitely suffering for gum disease. Bone loss happens when the gum disease is in its advanced stage and chemicals and enzymes start destroying the bones.

How to Identify Whether You Are Suffering From Gingivitis or Periodontitis?  
 

Since gingivitis and periodontitis are often interchangeably used (even by dentists) you could mistake one for the other. However, there are certain ways to tell the difference –

• Periodontitis rarely happens to teenagers. They can however develop gingivitis. Hence age is considered a deciding factor
• If you are regularly experiencing pain, it could be a sign of either gingivitis or periodontitis. When you feel the pain while chewing, it could be a sign that gingivitis is slowly progressing to periodontitis.
• The condition of your tooth can also indicate whether you have gingivitis or periodontitis. You have gingivitis you will regularly see your gums swollen, irritated or red. However, the teeth will be firmly placed. But if your tooth is loose, you are more likely to suffer from periodontitis.  
• Bad breath is also a sign of gingivitis that is slowly progressing to periodontitis. In such cases bad breath is the result of excess bacteria in the mouth.

Gingivitis can be easily treated if diagnosed early. Periodontitis is a more severe disease and needs immediate treatment by a dentist.