How to Avoid Damage from Teeth Whiteners

There is great demand for the perfect smile. Brighter, whiter teeth can do a lot for your overall appearance. Whitening ingredients are included in several products such as chewing gum, mouthwash and toothpaste. Faster results can be obtained through cosmetic bleaching in a dentist's office, but some people try home remedies. But if you are not careful, you can overdo whitening treatments and damage your teeth. Here are some steps to avoid damage caused by teeth whiteners.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Wear the whitener for a shorter period of time until you get used to the process. Sensitivity to hot and cold is the most common side effect from using teeth whiteners. This sensitivity normally goes away after about 24 hours.

2. Use toothpaste especially formulated for sensitive teeth. Even toothpastes marketed for sensitivity now offer the option of a whitener.

3. Wear a fluoride gel in your tray for 4 minutes before and after whitening to help strengthen your teeth. If using trays to whiten your teeth, you may purchase a high concentration of fluoride by asking for it from your pharmacist.

4. Stop use of the whiteners for several days if the sensitivity continues.

5. Wipe off any excess gel after applying the tray by using a tissue or cotton swab. Sometimes the gel from trays can cause gum irritation.

6. Avoid lemon juice as a home remedy whitener. The juice removes calcium from your teeth which can damage the enamel on your teeth and cause decay.

7. Avoid brushing your teeth with smashed strawberries. They will whiten your teeth, but the high sugar and acid content can cause irreparable damage.

8. Read labels. Avoid any products with acids or abrasives. These can damage the enamel of your teeth.

Tips & Warnings

• You should have good basic dental health before beginning a bleaching process.
• Remember that bleaching products do not alter crowns or other dental work. Consider the cost of replacing these to match your brighter smile before you whiten your teeth.
• Whitening will need to be repeated whether you choose inexpensive methods or the higher cost cosmetic procedures. The enamel is porous and will stain again as a result of eating or drinking certain foods and beverages.

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[iloverolloweeks]

on 12/29/2007 Are there any good products that don't harm your teeth?