Teeth Whitening Safely: Why Cavities Are Treated First

Many people have stains on their teeth that make them want to hide their smiles. If that sounds familiar to you, then you might wonder what you can do about it. The best thing is to have a professional teeth whitening treatment from your dentist. However, your mouth has to be a good foundation, so any oral health issues, like cavities, will need to be taken care of first. Keep reading to learn why this is the case.

Why Shouldn’t I Whiten My Teeth If I Have Cavities?

When you have tooth decay, it’s best to treat it first before getting your teeth whitened. The bleaching gel can cause some discomfort because the dentin underneath your enamel is exposed. The bacteria in your mouth produce acids that erode this top layer, and the part underneath has channels that lead down to the tooth’s nerve. Anything hot, cold, acidic, or overly sweet can trigger sensitivity when this happens.

Regardless of whether it’s a store-bought or professional kit, the bleaching agent can irritate your teeth and gums if your enamel is compromised. Instead of being able to enjoy beautiful pearly whites, you’ll be dealing with some discomfort. By going to your dentist, you can avoid any pain!

You might also want to consider avoiding using over-the-counter products. Many may not give you the results you want, often only brightening a smile by one or two shades, but it may be difficult to tell if you have a cavity beforehand.

How Will My Dentist Whiten My Teeth?

The first step for a professional whitening treatment is a consultation. Here, your dentist will spot any oral health issues that can cause complications and deal with them. You will talk about your goals and how bright you want your results to be. After you’re all good, then you can start your journey toward a whiter smile.

You will be given professional-grade, customized tools and some instructions. Your dentist will have you use them for some time during the day for about two weeks. After you diligently follow their steps, you will have teeth that are up to eight shades brighter!

While hearing you need to deal with cavities before getting a whitening treatment may not be ideal, remember it’s to safeguard your oral health. By the end, you will have pearly whites that you love without any of the discomfort!

About the Author

Dr. Roger Morton earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He understands how a less-than-perfect smile can make you feel self-conscious, so he is proud to offer cosmetic dental treatments, like teeth whitening. Dr. Morton will look after your teeth while on your way toward a renewed dental look, so you can love the results without worrying about any sensitivity afterward. If you are bothered by stains on your teeth, schedule an appointment or call (972) 442-5599.