Does Whitening Damage Teeth?

Oct 30th, 2017
Easton Dentists Nov 6th, 2017

The answer to this question is, unfortunately, not a simple “yes” or “no.” It’s more of an “it depends.” The reason this question is so hard to answer is two-fold. The first issue is that every person’s dental health is different and, as such, something that will damage one person’s teeth will not damage another’s. The other issue is that there is a huge range of whitening products available and each one will affect teeth differently.

Individuals with unhealthy teeth or gums are generally advised against whitening their teeth. There is no one, precise qualification for when a person’s oral health is or is not well-suited to whitening, but, generally speaking, individuals with extremely sensitive teeth, gum disease, worn enamel, acid erosion, cavities, or gum recession should not whiten their teeth unless they have been cleared by a trusted dentist. If you have these conditions, you should be advised that attempting to whiten your teeth may worsen your symptoms or, in the case of cavities, cause extreme pain. For these reasons, it is absolutely vital that you visit your dentist before deciding to undergo any sort of whitening treatment.

If your dentist has cleared you for whitening, you may be asking yourself which treatment is right for you. This is a decision that should be made under the guidance of your dentist. If, however, you opt for at-home treatments, there are a few in particular that you should be wary of. One such treatment is whitening strips that you apply to your own teeth. These strips are difficult to apply correctly and tend to whiten the flat parts of a user’s teeth well, while neglecting the rounded or crooked parts of their teeth. This can result in an unsightly contrast between the shades of different parts of your teeth. In addition, at-home remedies can cause real damage to your teeth. For example, sucking on lemons is a fairly common at-home solution for yellowing teeth. Although this seems like a natural and safe solution since, after all, you’re just sucking on a fruit; the acidity of the lemon can cause significant damage to the enamel of your teeth. In addition, even relatively safe whitening treatments can cause serious damage to your teeth if they are overused.

The safest way to avoid damaging your teeth when whitening them is to have a trusted dentist perform the whitening procedure for you. At The Dental Center at Easton, we’ll help you to get the white teeth you want as safely as possible.

Top Ten Dental Procedures Performed

Oct 29th, 2017
Easton Dentists Nov 6th, 2017

Dental health is intimately connected to full-body health. For this reason, it is absolutely vital that you visit your dentist regularly and get the dental treatments you need as soon as you need them. Ten of the most common dental treatments are explained below.

1. Braces
Braces correct the misalignment of teeth and bite-related problems by applying constant pressure to the teeth. Over time, this pressure acts to straighten the teeth and to correct bite issues. By correcting these issues with braces early, you can help to prevent more severe issues as you age.

2. Bonding
If you have a tooth that is decayed, cracked, chipped, or discolored, bonding may be the right treatment for you. Bonding can address all of these problems and is a fairly simple, non-invasive procedure. Essentially, a resin is painted over the affected tooth, and then firmly bonded to it with the use of a special hardening light.

3. Dental crowns
If you have a damaged or cracked tooth, a dental crown may be the right choice for you. The crown is placed over the visible part of the tooth above the gum line and can improve the appearance and strength of your damaged tooth.

4. Bridges
If you are missing one or more teeth, a bridge can be used to replace them. There are several different types of bridges that may be applied, but the most common is a fixed bridge.

5. Implants
Another possible solution for a missing tooth is an implant. These implants replace the missing tooth and are firmly held in place with a frame or metal post that is fixed into the jawbone

6. Fillings
If you are suffering from cavities, a filling can be used to restore your affected tooth where the cavity has compromised it.

7. Veneers
If you have decayed, chipped, or stained teeth, a strong, thin piece of resin or ceramic, known as a veneer, can be bonded to the tooth to refresh your smile.

8. Sealant
If your teeth are prone to decay, you may wish to have a sealant applied. Sealants bond to the teeth and form a protective coating over the enamel that acts as a barrier against the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Sealants are typically only used on the back teeth.

9. Root canals
If you are suffering from a diseased or abscessed tooth, you may require a root canal. During this procedure, the tooth is opened and cleaned to remove the infected tissue that is at its center.

10. Antibiotics
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you may be suffering from gingivitis. Depending on the stage of the infection, a course of antibiotics may be the best option for restoring the health of your gums.
Only a dentist can determine what dental treatment is right for you. Visit The Dental Center at Easton to receive the care you need.