Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments involving the teeth, and for good reason: it’s a quick way to get rid of tooth stains and brighten a dulled or yellowed smile. However, if you currently have a cavity, now is probably not the best time to have the procedure done. Here is why you need to wait until after tooth decay has been treated to start thinking about professional teeth whitening.
Why Cavities and Teeth Whitening are a Dangerous Combination
Whitening improvements involve a special gel containing active ingredients that can penetrate the surface of the tooth. Said ingredients are the key to removing stains above and below the enamel. However, they can also irritate the nerves inside the tooth, which can cause some discomfort for a few days.
If your teeth are healthy, such discomfort is typically manageable. However, if you have a cavity, the tooth in question may be much more sensitive than normal, making the irritation from the whitening gel outright painful. In a worst-case scenario, performing teeth whitening on a decayed tooth could cause permanent damage.
Be Safe When Whitening Your Teeth
A dazzling smile is a wonderful thing, but it’s not worth putting yourself through excessive pain or risking your teeth. Before you commit to any kind of whitening, professional or otherwise, you should make an appointment with your dentist. They can examine your teeth to make sure you don’t have cavities or any other oral health issues that could complicate the whitening process.
If you do have a tooth that’s suffering from decay, you don’t have to give up on teeth whitening altogether. As long as the tooth is still salvageable, your dentist should be able to treat the cavity and repair any damage with a filling or a dental crown. Once your oral health has been restored, it should be safe to move forward with whitening or another type of cosmetic treatment.
Keep in mind, though, that the dental restorations used to repair cavities do not respond to whitening treatments. That means if you get a dental crown to protect your treated tooth, it will remain the same color even after the rest of your teeth have been brightened. Since having one tooth be a different shade than the others probably will not make for the best smile, you should discuss your options with your dentist carefully before you fully commit to whitening.
Once you understand the link between teeth whitening and your oral health, it’s much easier to make the right decisions for your smile. Whether your next step is to have decay treated or to start looking into the whitening process, don’t lose any time in contacting your dentist’s office to schedule a consultation.
About the Author
Dr. M. Kent Smith achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1986 at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He opened his Edmond dental office in 1988, and to this day he continues to help his friends and neighbors enjoy better smiles, whether that means treating their cavities or brightening their teeth with professional whitening. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith, visit his website or call (405) 341-7773.