Four Types Of People Who Should Delay Their Teeth Bleaching Ambitions
by Harold Coleman
Everybody loves perfect white teeth, but some people should wait before bleaching their stained teeth. If you have been contemplating bleaching your teeth, find out first if you are among those who should wait. Here are four categories of those who should wait, and why:
The Young
There may not be a universal age limit for dental bleaching, but dental organizations and professionals agree that it isn't suitable for the very young. For example, most manufacturers of over-the-counter bleaching products do not recommend them for kids under the age of 12. Others recommend bleaching only for those over the age of 18. Below this age, a person's pulp chamber (the nerve of the tooth) is enlarged, and bleaching may irritate it or make it hypersensitive.
There isn't enough research data to show whether bleaching products, such as whitening strips, are safe for kids. In fact, even the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) hasn't made a ruling on this issue. Don't take the risk because you don't know what may happen. It's best to wait and bleach your teeth when you are sure it is safe.
Pregnant Mothers
During pregnancy, anything you place on your skin gets absorbed into the bloodstream and may reach the unborn baby after crossing the placenta. Unfortunately, there aren't conclusive studies that have proven whether bleaching products are safe for unborn babies. Some people say it's safe while others claim it isn't, but it isn't wise to take the risk and experiment with your baby. If you don't want to wait until it is safe to bleach your teeth, stick to whitening toothpaste, which is safe.
Those Who Have Temporary Orthodontics
Teeth whitening products don't work on the common materials used in orthodontics. At the same time, these dental devices prevent the enamel underneath from getting bleached properly. Therefore, if you already have a temporary orthodontic in place, you should wait until you are through with the dental correction. Otherwise, your bleaching attempts may result in unevenly colored teeth.
Those Who Have Dental Problems
Lastly, you shouldn't bleach your teeth if you have other dental problems such as cavities, gum diseases, sensitive teeth or exposed roots. If you try whitening despite having such issues, the bleaching product may penetrate into the sensitive parts of your teeth and make them hypersensitive. Therefore, it is best to wait until you have dealt with such dental problems before bleaching your teeth.
Even if you aren't among these four categories of people, consult your dentist if you suspect you have a condition that may interfere with your bleaching attempts. If you decide to bleach, stick to products that have been certified as safe and consult your dentist before making a decision.
For more information, contact Alliance Family Dental or a similar location.
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About Me
I have never liked my teeth. I had a lot of dental problems, including deep staining and oddly shaped teeth. Every tooth did not have the same shape, and some were rounded while others were more square. Not surprisingly, I never smiled in pictures and not even much in real life. This left people thinking I was mean before they even met me. My dentist told me my best bet to improve the look of my smile was a set of porcelain dental veneers. He said they could make all my teeth white and the same shape. I said I wanted them without any hesitation, and we scheduled my procedures. I love my new teeth, and they really did change my life. I created this blog to help other people living with teeth they don't like realize that they do have options that can improve their smiles and their lives.