If you’re bothered by the color of your smile, you’ve probably thought of having teeth whitening performed at some point. However, while this cosmetic treatment is highly reliable when performed by a professional, it’s not recommended for people who are currently suffering from tooth decay. Why are teeth whitening and cavities a bad combination? It’s important to have the facts before you make any decisions regarding your smile.
Why Should You Avoid Teeth Whitening if You Have Untreated Cavities?
Professional teeth whitening often relies on a chemical called hydrogen peroxide. Said chemical can enter your tooth and break down complex molecules, thus getting rid of stains.
However, if the tooth in question has a cavity, exposing it to hydrogen peroxide can lead to severe irritation. Naturally, this can be quite painful, and the tooth might become especially sensitive. In the worst-case scenario, trying to whiten a decayed tooth could lead to permanent damage.
Are You Disqualified from Teeth Whitening if You Have a Cavity?
Because of the risks involved, you should not have teeth whitening performed if you’re currently suffering from a cavity. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on the procedure altogether! Many patients are still able to move forward with whitening once their tooth decay has been properly addressed. You’ll be able to start focusing on improving the appearance of your smile once your oral health issues have been dealt with.
How Can Cavities Be Treated?
Tooth decay can be dealt with in a variety of ways. The solution that your dentist recommends will depend on how severe the situation currently is.
For smaller cavities, a filling can often be used to repair the damage. Said filling can be made out of materials that blend in with your enamel for a more natural appearance.
Advanced decay that has reached the pulp of the tooth might call for root canal therapy. Once your root canal is complete, you may need a crown to keep the treated tooth safe.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Once any cavities have been dealt with, you can ask your dentist about in-office whitening or take-home whitening. With in-office whitening, a bleaching gel will be applied to your teeth, allowing you to brighten your smile by up to eight shades in just one appointment. Take-home whitening involves wearing personalized trays that are to be filled with bleaching gel and worn daily; it usually takes a couple of weeks for results to become obvious.
No matter how much dental discoloration might bother you, the health of your smile should always come first. Your dentist can help you put together a plan to achieve the brighter grin you want while also keeping your teeth safe.
About the Author
Dr. Gerald T. Shinkawa has been in the dental field for over 45 years, and he truly loves getting to work with all kinds of people. He is a proud graduate of the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. His Fresno practice, Shinkawa Dental, offers teeth whitening as a solution for patients who are bothered by stains on their smiles. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Shinkawa, visit his website or call (559) 226-5656.