For many individuals, feeling self-conscious about their discolored teeth can limit how freely they engage with others in both professional and personal settings. In such instances, teeth whitening can serve as an effective catalyst for positive psychological change, empowering patients to break free of self-conscious barriers and engage in activities that enrich their lives.

They can lighten stains that appear on the interior or exterior of teeth, but most target surface stains caused by foods and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine, dark-colored fruits, soda, and smoking.

Boosts Self-Confidence

When it comes to first impressions, your smile is a powerful social tool that can have a lasting impact on your professional and personal interactions. In a world where appearance matters, a white smile can help you project a confident and attractive demeanor that can boost your confidence and open up new opportunities.

Furthermore, studies have shown that a brighter smile can make people look younger, further fueling their sense of self-worth and confidence. As a result, it’s no surprise that teeth whitening has emerged as one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for rejuvenating your appearance. For those who want to look their best, a quick visit to a Westfield dentist can give you a dazzling smile that will leave the right impression.

Reduces Sensitivity

While the bleaching agents used in most whitening treatments help lift stains, they also weaken the outer enamel slightly. This exposes the microscopic dentinal tubules that connect to the nerves inside the teeth. When these tubules become irritated or exposed, teeth can feel sensitive to hot or cold or when chewing or biting. Fortunately, fluoride toothpaste can restore the minerals lost during a whitening treatment to reduce sensitivity.

Another way to reduce sensitivity is to use a desensitizing mouth rinse or toothpaste before your treatment begins. These products have added compounds to strengthen the teeth and alleviate sensitivity. Patients who are prone to tooth sensitivity can even ask their dentist about prescription desensitizing products that work even better than the over-the-counter versions.

Avoiding ice-cold foods and drinks can also minimize discomfort during a whitening treatment. Sipping drinks through a straw can also mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures on sensitive teeth. You can also take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve pain and inflammation caused by a whitening treatment.

Prevents Gum Disease

Teeth whitening treatments use bleaching solutions, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to remove surface stains from the teeth’s enamel. While this cosmetic treatment is safe for most people, gum disease can make your teeth more sensitive to whitening treatments, as the bleaching chemicals irritate and inflame your soft tissues. This is why it’s essential to have your gum disease treated before trying any whitening treatments, whether at the dentist or at home.

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can cause bleeding or swollen gums that can interfere with brushing and flossing. If left untreated, this condition can lead to tooth loss and other oral health problems. You should always have your gum disease under control before undergoing any whitening treatments, including whitening strips and gels. This will prevent your whitening products from affecting your oral health and helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Prevents Tooth Decay

While teeth whitening removes surface stains and whitens the appearance of your smile, it does not change tooth enamel or treat cavities. To keep your smile healthy, brush twice a day, floss daily and avoid sugary snacks and beverages. In addition, regular professional dental cleanings can remove lingering plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease.

Over-the-counter whitening treatments like strips, gels and trays use a bleaching agent to whiten the outer layers of your teeth. A professional whitening treatment uses a stronger form of hydrogen peroxide that penetrates your teeth to lighten them from beneath the surface.

The two most common side effects of teeth whitening are temporary tooth sensitivity and irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth, most notably your gums. Both of these side effects usually disappear within a few days after your treatment. To reduce sensitivity, you can use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth and avoid eating or drinking stain-causing foods and drinks for 48 hours after your treatment.