Why You Shouldn’t Whiten Teeth with Untreated Cavities

According to the National Institutes of Health, a staggering 56 percent of people who are unhappy with their smiles cite the color of their teeth as the primary reason, and the numbers agree. In fact, Americans spend a whopping $11 billion dollars a year on teeth whitening products and treatments alone! But what many don’t realize is that although they’re even available over the counter, the powerful chemicals used in these products can be extremely dangerous on teeth with untreated cavities and decay. Here’s a closer look at how these products can worsen damaged teeth, and why having a cosmetic dentistry consultation with your dentist before whitening is so important!

The Dangers Whitening Teeth with Untreated Decay

Whitening products work by sending powerful bleaching agents into the tiny pores in your tooth enamel to break apart stains that have accumulated within. Because this process strips away some of the minerals in your teeth as it whitens, you may experience some minor, temporary sensitivity following treatment. Thankfully, with otherwise healthy teeth, it usually goes away on its own within two or three days, but you can help prevent it by using a sensitive toothpaste in the meantime.

Unfortunately, however, if your teeth aren’t healthy to begin with, this sensitivity can last a lot longer. That’s because if there is decay or cavities present, these strong chemicals can reach the tooth’s nerves. The bleach may even accelerate the progression of existing damage such as enamel erosion, making decay worse. In fact, some people need a root canal after whitening!

The Importance of the Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

Your dentist knows the dangers of whitening teeth that have untreated damage. That’s why she requires you to have a cosmetic dentistry consultation before any procedure. At this appointment, you can share your smile goals, discuss any questions or concerns you may have, and get a realistic idea of what you can expect from treatment. She will also ensure that your teeth and gums are in good enough condition to safely undergo treatment, and if not, she can work with you to create a plan to restore their health first.

Risky Business: Over-the-Counter Whitening

For those who want to try at-home whitening using over-the-counter products, it’s still extremely important to see your dentist for an exam first. That’s because even though they use diluted ingredients, storebought whitening kits can still cause permanent damage. In fact, they may cause even more severe problems because they take longer to work and thus will spend more time on your teeth than professional grade products.

Remember, professional whitening from your dentist is a safe, effective treatment, but only if your mouth is healthy to begin with. If you’d like to remove up to eight shades of discoloration from your smile, schedule a consultation with your dentist today and get a gorgeous, glowing grin that feels as good as it looks!

About Dr. Condie

Dr. Shandy Condie earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross and her M.S. in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts and her dental degree from the Creighton School of Dentistry. She is also a former student of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), where she focused on topics like cosmetic, restorative, and neuromuscular dentistry. She is a proud member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Arizona Dental Association. To schedule a consultation for teeth whitening at Desert Springs Dental, visit our website or call 623-283-2088.