Teeth Whitening: Is it Safe?
In every profession there are practices that court controversy, and in dental services, teeth whitening is one such example. Done too often or incorrectly, teeth whitening can be a potential health hazard. As with everything online there is a wealth of great helpful advice and guidance hidden in a surplus of misinformation, which makes it difficult for people to fathom which is the best teeth whitening process for their needs.
Teeth whitening is a very popular service Duxton Dental’s Riccarton cosmetic dentists provide; however, too often we see negative consequences of DIY kits or teeth whitening delivered by non-professionals who are unqualified for the procedure, and this fuels the controversy surrounding the safety of teeth whitening.
Tempted by cheap teeth whitening options?
If you search online for cheap teeth whitening, a large number of DIY kit options and beauty salons offering teeth whitening are quickly returned. Applying a DIY whitening kit in the comfort of your own home or in the relaxed spa-like environment of your local beauty rooms has a certain appeal– inexpensive and accessible they are a cheap alternative to visiting the dentist.
However, the reality is often the products used can be dangerous, toxic and harmful. Some have been found to contain chlorine dioxide (an acid disinfectant used for cleaning swimming pools), others use chemicals which are 150 times the safe permitted levels. An ill-fitting mouthguard is not only uncomfortable but can harm your long-term oral health too. Untested and unregulated, cheap teeth whitening can give you more than you bargained for:
- Chemicals burns on gums
- Ingestion of chemicals causing burns to the throat, stomach, and gut
- Acid damage to the teeth’s enamel leading to permanent impairment
- Tooth discoloration
- Tooth sensitivity
- Gum recession
- Mouth blisters
Why you should visit a cosmetic dentist
Teeth whitening is a great way to enhance your smile and develop your self-confidence, but it is not a one-for-all solution. Your mouth and oral history is unique, and any dental care should be structured to meet your individual requirements.
Before any teeth whitening procedure is undertaken, it’s important to visit your dentist. The priority for Duxton Dental’s Christchurch dentists is to maximise our patient’s oral health, so your dentist will undertake a thorough suitability assessment of your mouth. They will check your gum health and for cavities which need dental treatment before any teeth whitening can begin. Conversely, an examination may reveal your teeth just need a good clean to remove to make them white again!
Every step of the process is regulated and detailed– from ensuring you are dentally fit to benefit from having your teeth whitened, guidance as to how white your teeth should go, through to tailored aftercare to keep your smile glowing.
Duxton Dental takes great pride in our patients’ smiles, and we collaborate with them to ensure they achieve the best smile possible. But we know that the best dental services are not just about the aesthetics of your smile, it’s about maintaining oral health for the long term. If you want to learn more about teeth whitening and the results you can expect, contact us today for a free consultation.
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