Basic dental cleanings used to be the only tool that fought discolorations across your teeth. Today’s dental advancements, however, allow you to choose from a variety of different bleaching products.
After your teeth whitening procedure, there might be some side effects. Understanding these issues and how to address them is the best way to recover from any whitening procedure.
How the Bleach Affects Your Teeth
You might be under the impression that a teeth whitening procedure is just as simple as dyeing your hair, but there are more complexities involved. Your teeth and gums are subjected to the bleach and other whitening substances. During this exposure period, the tissues might be overstimulated. Sensitivities arise from this exposure and side effects occur almost immediately afterward.
What to Expect with Sensitivities
These side effects may carry on for several days after your treatment. Sensitivity is the main complaint from most patients so fight off discomfort by eating foods that are neither hot nor cold. Lukewarm foods and drinks won’t create those tingling sensations in your mouth, which can be incredibly frustrating otherwise.
As time goes on, you can begin eating a few foods that are cold or hot. You’ll eventually eat a normal diet as the whitening procedure’s effects dwindle away.
Don’t Worry about Spotting
Be aware that spotting can occur on your teeth only a few hours after the procedure. This side effect is very alarming for many people, and they immediately contact their dentist in response. Spotting, however, is only a reaction of the whitening products with your teeth.
If you look in the mirror over the course of a day, you’ll notice the spots slowly disappearing. A smooth, white surface should emerge after the whitening products reach a balance on your teeth.
In the end, your dentist is the best resource when it comes to devising a smart whitening plan. Your teeth may only need a mild bleaching process, but you were considering a harsher product. By following your dentist’s advice, your teeth can look and function perfectly into your senior years.
Sources:
Statement on the Safety and Effectiveness of Tooth Whitening Products
ada.org
Smoking and dental implants
dentalhealth.org