Having pearly whites can make you seem healthier, happier and even younger. However, aging, smoking and drinking red wine and coffee can all dull the tooth's enamel and turn them yellow and grayish. It's also easier than ever to whiten your teeth, even by yourself-- but is it safe? That depends on a number of factors regarding your age, health and other habits. Here are some possible dangers that you should know before whitening your teeth.
Instructions
1. Check the pH level in commercial whitening products. The safest and most effective number is 7. If the number is lower, the whitener will be too acidic. And if the number is higher than 7, it will have too much alkaline. Both might irritate your gums and erode your enamel.
2. Know that dental trays rarely fit properly in the do-it-yourself kits. These trays won't distribute the whitener properly, and leave some spots on your teeth lighter than others. Hence, it's best to have a dentist personally make a mold and a personalized trays for both your lower and upper teeth.
3. Rub a spot of whitening toothpaste between your fingers; grittiness indicates that there are abrasives in the paste that can erode the enamel.
4. Whitening yellowing teeth when they are signs of decay will only make the problem worse. Abscesses can form and if you have gum disease, your gums will become much more tender and prone to bleeding when you brush your teeth.
5. Never bleach your teeth if you either are pregnant or breastfeeding your child.
Tags: your teeth, your gums