Many patients are self-conscious about stains or discoloration on their teeth. Teeth whitening can be an excellent solution for this, but some may be concerned about how teeth whitening treatments can affect their health. Teeth whitening is a great cosmetic treatment that has some health benefits.
Is Teeth Whitening Just for Looks?
If looking great is all you care about, then teeth whitening is a fantastic treatment. Many teeth whitening brands provide health benefits too:
- Antibacterial Properties: Many teeth whitening brands contain hydrogen peroxide or another antibacterial agent.
- Self-Esteem Boosts: If you struggle to smile in public because of stained teeth, teeth whitening can improve your confidence.
- Lower Risk of Cavities: Cavities, gum disease, and other problems become less likely because teeth whitening solutions strengthen your teeth.
Teeth whitening treatments can give you a gorgeous, healthy, strong smile, and confidence.
Dangers of Tooth Stains
Some stains aren’t just unattractive, they may also be dangerous to your oral health. There are many causes of tooth stains:
- Aging.
- Tobacco.
- Red wine.
- Berries.
- Tomato sauce.
- A broken tooth.
- Worn enamel.
While stains from age or certain foods are not necessarily dangerous, stains caused by tobacco, injured teeth, and worn enamel could be. These stains are a sign of weakened enamel. Tooth enamel is necessary to protect the sensitive inner parts of your teeth. When the enamel is weakened, bacteria can enter and damage the inner tooth.
How Whitening Your Teeth Can Impact Your Health
Some people struggle with self-confidence because of their smiles. If you hesitate to show your teeth in public, it can affect many aspects of your mental well-being:
- Social relationships.
- Ability to hold a conversation.
- Self-worth.
- The endorphins you get when you smile.
On top of mental health, teeth whitening can improve the health of your teeth by getting rid of bacteria. Bacteria can cause many problems for your teeth and the rest of your body:
- Tooth infection.
- Gingivitis.
- Diabetes.
- Heart disease.
- Halitosis (bad breath).
Teeth whitening treatments can lessen the number of bacteria in your mouth and give you a boost of self-confidence too!
Are There Downsides to Teeth Whitening?
Some patients experience sensitivity and irritation because of teeth whitening. This can be caused because of an allergic reaction or because of certain chemicals used in the whitening that are not good for the gums.
Whitening sensitivity usually occurs with over-the-counter whitening products. Professional whitening kits, like our Beautiful Bright Smile kits, are equipped with the tools to prevent tooth and gum sensitivity and a whitening solution that is dentist-approved.
Professional Teeth Whitening Is Healthy Teeth Whitening
To get the most out of your teeth whitening treatment, choose a treatment offered by a trusted dental professional. Store-bought whitening solutions can irritate your gums, and can even mess up the alignment of your teeth.
Professional teeth whitening by a dentist is the sure way to get a whitening treatment with minimal risks! Plus, you get the assurance of supervision by a dentist who can catch potential problems early.
Teeth Whitening at Daniel Sheridan, DDS
Our teeth whitening treatment is a take-home kit called Beautiful Bright Smile. This brand offers a fantastic formula that works and doesn’t cause sensitivity. We’ll customize your treatment plan to your needs and then you can apply the whitening solution on your schedule from the comfort of your own home.
See our teeth whitening page for more information.
Get Your Healthy White Smile
Ready for a smile upgrade? Try a teeth whitening treatment with Dr. Sheridan today! Set an appointment to get started, and we’ll set you up with a beautiful new smile in just a few weeks.
