Teeth Whitening & What You Need To Know

Is whitening your teeth safe?  Many products bought online or over the counter can pose risks to your health especially if you don’t know whether the level of bleach they contain is safe.  That is why having your teeth whitened by a dental professional is so important.

Am I suitable for teeth whitening?  Bleaching products will only work on natural teeth so it will not work if you have dental crowns, veneers etc.  These can be changed after whitening if you so wish.

Does whitening your teeth cause sensitivity?  There will be temporary sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch as well as temporary gum irritation.  Please visit your dentist before proceeding with teeth whitening so that they can assess the status of your teeth and gums prior to treatment. Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth during and for a few days after teeth whitening can help reduce sensitivity.

How long will the results last? Results can last for years but will vary from person to person.  The effect is less likely to last if you smoke or eat and drink things that can stain your teeth such as tea, coffee, red wine and curries.

Can anyone carry out teeth whitening? It is illegal for anyone other than GDC registered dental professionals to carry out teeth whitening.  People such as beauticians and hairdressers will not have the correct training and knowledge, could permanently damage your teeth and gums and can’t help you when something goes wrong.

Do I need to avoid any foods? Whilst whitening teeth (and for 48 hours after), you should eat a whiter food diet as this is when the pores of the teeth are most open.  Avoid red wine, smoking and takeaways and foods with heavy artificial food colourings during this period.

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