Want to Whiten Your Teeth?

Almost everyone in our society considers whitening his or her teeth at some point, even if just for a second. With so much emphasis on white teeth in our media, it is hard not to think about it. Most people are guilty of seeing a commercial for teeth whitening products and examining their own teeth in a mirror shortly thereafter. However, not everyone should whiten his or her teeth. How do you know if you should?

You must understand that teeth whitening is not a simple process. It may take a long time, cost you a lot of money, or both. Be aware that it is not 100% safe, either. There are some health risks. Know what you are getting into before going through with a whitening treatment.

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.

The Time Involved

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

Should You Whiten Your Teeth?

Teeth whitening products are good for people with seriously stained teeth. You might have seriously stained teeth if you have been drinking lots of coffee or tea for a very long time, or you might have teeth like this if you have had braces which stained your teeth. Just make sure you are not "white-orexic" and obsessed with getting your teeth whiter and whiter. Some people will whiten their teeth so much that it looks strange and unnatural.

Your teeth should look normal/normal-white. If they do, you do not need a whitening treatment. White teeth are a nice thing to have, but it can be easily overdone. You will look silly if you whiten your teeth too much.

Are your teeth or gums sensitive?

If they are, teeth whitening treatments will be uncomfortable or even unbearable. Teeth whitening treatments can make your teeth and gums sensitive, and this usually lasts from 24 to 48 hours, although it is permanent in some.

Permanent sensitivity is uncommon and should not be feared by most people, as it is relatively rare. It occurs after heavy usage of teeth whitening products used for a very long time; most users will not have this problem if they "follow the directions." However, keep it in mind that it is a possibility, and, by whitening your teeth, you are exposing yourself to that risk.

There are many different toothpastes made for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne, that can reduce the sensitivity associated with teeth whitening treatments. We recommend that all users use them, as temporary sensitivity is likely to occur even in people with normally non-sensitive mouths. Use these toothpastes before, during, and for a short time after your treatment.

In the end, you must decide if you should get your teeth whitened. If you do, be sure you educate yourself on the various treatments before deciding on one. Do not pick one casually or haphazardly. Since everyone is different, you should read about the risks and benefits of each treatment before deciding. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether to get your teeth whitened and how to do so.