Want to Whiten Your Teeth?
At some point in everyone’s life, he or she considers whitening his or her teeth. The media’s emphasis on physical appearance causes all of us to at least consider the procedure at some point. It’s hard to not notice your yellow teeth in the mirror. So, should you whiten your teeth?
There are no simple teeth whitening procedures; all take a considerable amount of time or money, oftentimes both. Whitening teeth is not just something you do without a second thought, as there are also some health risks. Think hard about it before deciding to do it.
Whitening is usually done either with over-the-counter products or with lasers. The former is easy to get a hold of, while the latter requires visiting a dentist or a health and beauty spa. Most whitening products contain a form of bleach that needs to sit on your teeth for a long period.
How Much Time Will You Need?
Both the over-the-counter and non-over-the-counter do-it-yourself treatments require about an hour a day (except a certain few products), and they must be used for 7 to 21 days. While the products are being used, the activities you can do are limited; you cannot eat, smoke, or drink
Do You Even Need to Whiten Your Teeth?
Teeth whitening is great for teeth that are seriously stained. Teeth like these can be found in somebody who has had braces or heavy, long-term coffee drinkers. Be careful not to catch a case of “white-orexia,” or, an obsession with getting the teeth whiter. People like this will eventually end up teeth so white it appears unnatural and strange.
If your teeth are normal/normal-white, then you should not be looking at whitening. Sure, white teeth are good to have, but it can be overdone. Do not overdo it, as you will look silly.
Are your teeth or gums sensitive?
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, teeth whitening products can be uncomfortable or even unbearable. Whiteners can, and often do, cause tooth and gum sensitivity in even people with normal mouths; this can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, and sometimes it can be permanent.
Permanence only occurs after intense, long periods of whitening, something that most will avoid if they follow the teeth whitening treatment directions, but remember that it is always a possibility.
Sensodyne and other sensitive-teeth toothpastes are good for people during the whitening treatment. If your teeth are sensitive, or you think they might become sensitive, you should switch to Sensodyne or another similar product before, during, and for a short time after the teeth whitening procedure.
Remember, the decision is yours. If you are considering using any of the teeth whitening products, the best thing you can do is to educate yourself on the risks and benefits of each. Do not use any without first educating yourself.
