Want a brighter smile in less time? Before you take matters into your own hands and buy a store-bought kit that won’t deliver on its “promised” results, stop and think about your smile. Is it healthy? Do you have cavities you should worry about? Teeth whitening and cavities are a dangerous combination. Skipping restorative treatment can cause serious problems if you try to whiten your smile. Learn why a cosmetic dentist says it’s better to wait and get the care you need before embracing a brighter set of teeth.
Why Should You Avoid Teeth Whitening if You Have a Cavity?
Your teeth need a strong foundation before you pursue any cosmetic work, including teeth whitening. Before you can target stains, your smile needs to be healthy to achieve great results. However, this can be thwarted if you try to brighten your teeth before treating a cavity.
Here are a few reasons why your dentist will put the brakes on teeth whitening:
- Increased Sensitivity: Professional teeth whitening uses high-grade bleaching agents. When applied, they penetrate deeper layers and irritate nerve endings. This means greater sensitivity when they’re exposed to hot or cold temperatures. Having a cavity will increase the risk of more discomfort.
- Uneven Results: Decayed teeth or cavities will not likely respond well to teeth whitening because the bleaching agent cannot penetrate the areas very well, causing them to appear darker and uneven.
- Greater Irritation: Teeth whitening can cause sharp pain if it reaches the infected pulp.
- Further Damage: If your tooth is badly decayed, teeth whitening can cause irreversible nerve damage and increase the risk of the infection spreading.
What Should You Do To Get the Smile You Want?
Want the brighter smile you’ve been dreaming of? Start by scheduling an appointment with your cosmetic dentist. They’ll examine your teeth and determine whether cavities or decay exist. If so, you’ll need restorative treatment to address the issue. This can include a tooth-colored filling or dental crown, depending on the severity of the problem.
Both options are common for dentists, so don’t worry about the process or whether it will hold you back from teeth whitening. When it’s safe to move forward, you can brighten your smile safely and prepare for radiant results.
If you want a whiter smile, healthy teeth are a must-have. Your dentist can help make your dream a reality by tackling cavities from the start.
About the Author
Dr. Kayla Vasconcellos earned her dental degree before completing her residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill-Cornell in Manhattan. She has more than a decade of experience and is pleased to help lead the team at Danvers Aesthetic Family Dentistry. She is trained to provide cosmetic and restorative treatment and deliver beautiful results. If you are interested in teeth whitening but have a cavity that may pose a problem, call (978) 774-0725 to schedule an appointment today.