Cavities and Teeth Whitening Products: A Painful Combination

Are you part of the 80 percent of Americans who wish their teeth were whiter? With professional in-office and take-home whitening kits, it’s easier than ever to blast away stubborn stains. There is, however, one thing that may stand in your way – cavities. Keep reading to learn why cavities and whitening gels do not pair well at all. You can certainly pursue teeth whitening in Owasso, but your teeth need to be healthy first.

What If I Decide to Do Teeth Whitening with a Cavity?

Even a tooth that is totally healthy can become irritated by whitening bleach. It contains hydrogen peroxide, which can upset overly sensitive teeth.

If a cavity is present, it does not matter if the person’s teeth are normally sensitive. The whitening solution can reach the pulp of the tooth, which weakens and irritates the entire tooth. There have been cases where teeth with cavities were permanently damaged due to whitening bleach exposure.

Even tooth decay, which is only the preliminary stage of a cavity, will trigger sensitivity if you have a whitening treatment. Besides the pain, it’s also important to get a cavity on the biting surface of your tooth filled before whitening because it will help your custom bleaching trays fit more securely.

Consulting with Your Dentist About Whitening Is the Smart Move

If you are thinking about getting started with a teeth whitening regimen, it’s a good call to let your dentist know in advance. If you are having professional teeth whitening treatment performed by the dentist, this will take care of itself, but if you are going to try a store-bought kit you should share your plans.

They might have valuable advice to help you avoid sensitivity. Cavities or not, if you use whitening treatments too often it’s a near certainty you are going to be in pain. All it takes is a quick phone call to check in with your dentist. Plus, they will consider factors that you may not have thought of, like how dental crowns and fillings can’t be whitened.

Professional teeth whitening is effective, and it could work wonders for your smile, but you should make the effort to ensure all your teeth are structurally sound before you move forward. A dental exam and cleaning in advance of professional teeth whitening in Owasso could be perfect timing, as your dentist can verify if you are a good candidate for the treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Gaches earned his dental doctorate from the University of Southern California. He is currently pursuing a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry as well as accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Gaches is a member of the American Dental Association. Now that you know more about the relationship between teeth whitening and your oral health, Dr. Gaches can help you with in-office or take-home whitening. Schedule a consultation on his website or call (918) 928-2383.