What to Avoid When Whitening Your Teeth
When youhave discolored or stained teeth, your dentist can use professional teeth whitening techniques toimprove your smile. While there are many types of tooth whitening, there are similar things to avoid whether it be over the counter or prescription strength, such as the following.
Don’tUse Expired Products
You mightget a good deal on teeth whitening products at the store but check theexpiration date. These products are typically marked down when they’re close toexpiring. Using expired whitening products means you won’t get the results youwant. When they expire, the hydrogen peroxide in them breaks down and leavesonly water and oxygen, which won’t brighten your teeth. Only use whiteningproducts that aren’t near their expiration date, which gives you enough time tobrighten your teeth while the hydrogen peroxide is still active and intact.
Don’tStore Products in Hot Areas
Exposure toheat makes the hydrogen peroxide in whitening products inactive. When youpurchase whitening strips or other over-the-counter products, don’t store themin hot areas, such as near vents. Keep in mind that you can refrigerate them tohelp them last longer if you won’t be using them right away.
Don’tUse Whitening Products During Pregnancy
It’s best toavoid using teeth whitening products while you’re pregnant or nursing. Theseproducts might cause harm to your baby, although more research on this isneeded. Talk to your dentist about when it’s safe for you to use whiteningproducts after you’ve given birth or stopped nursing.
Don’tOveruse Whitening Products
Sinceover-the-counter whitening products don’t always provide the results you want,you might be tempted to use them more often. However, overusing these productscan end up making your teeth more sensitive to cold and heat. This happens whenthe hydrogen peroxide in these products causes pores to open in your teeth,which makes it easier for heat and cold to reach the nerves inside them. Onlyuse whitening products for as long as recommended on the package.
If you’reinterested in having teeth whitening done professionally for better results,please contact Great Lakes Dental to schedule anappointment with our dentist.