Teeth whitening is a safe cosmetic treatment but only when the correct practices are followed—to a tee! So, with so many take-home teeth whitening kits available on the market, what harm could we accidentally cause our teeth? And is there a safe way to whiten your teeth at home? More below…
1. Have you had your teeth checked by your dentist?
Who could blame you for wanting to brighten and whiten your smile? It sounds simple enough but before you take matters into your own hands, make sure you get a check-up with your dentist. Sometimes your teeth need a little more care before they’re ready for a whitening treatment. At Australia Fair Dental Care, when our dentists give you the ‘okay’ for teeth whitening, you can ask about our recommended take-home kits!
2. Don’t leave the whitening products on too long
The ingredients in many take-home teeth whitening kits treat and lift the stains on the enamel of your teeth. In saying that, if you leave these whitening ingredients on too long, they can cause damage to your enamel. You might experience increased teeth sensitivity, and roughened or weakened enamel. So, be sure to follow the time instructions on your kit.
3. Don’t overuse your teeth whitening treatments
Frequent teeth whitening (without the advice of your dentist) may not make your smile whiter—or healthier for that matter. Too much teeth whitening can cause your teeth to darken due to dehydration. You can also burn your gums! Again, always consult your dentist before whitening your teeth at home.
Is there any reason why teeth whitening may not be good for my teeth?
Yes, sometimes there are very good reasons for not treating your teeth with whitening products—either at home or at the dentist. Some of these reasons might include:
- pregnancy
- receding gums
- existing cosmetic treatment (like braces)
- decaying teeth
- dry mouth
- poor oral hygiene.
Our goal is to help you achieve your healthiest smile. So, in many cases, your dentist can work with you to resolve any preexisting dental issues before you consider the suitability of teeth whitening treatments.
Want advice about take-home whitening kits?
Our dentists are ready to help! Take-home kits can be both convenient and safe options for teeth whitening. Once we’ve checked your teeth and ensured it’s a suitable treatment for you, we can provide our patients with kits that make teeth brightening and whitening easier and more relaxed.
Our clinic is open Monday–Saturday from 8 am
If you need treatment or to book an appointment, get in touch with our team today!