Precautions and indications for teeth whitening.
Teeth bleaching is effective and safe, providing some specific principles, like the
following ones, are taken in consideration.
 Bleaching should be avoided in
children and adolescents, because the nerve inside the tooth is still very bulky at this
age and consequently, closer to the enameled surface. This means the nerve may get
irritated or damaged by chemical agents.
Allergy cases to peroxide substances are
contra-indications for bleaching.
The mouthpieces carrying the
bleaching gel into the mouth must be as accurate as possible. They have to protect the
gums and the rest of the mouth by preventing any significant leakage of peroxide
substance. The amount of bleaching gel must be reasonable. It should be enough to cover
each tooth separately but by no means to overflow the edges of the tray, when this is
applied in the mouth. Very good rinsing is always recommended after each session.
The concentrations of the
bleaching substance contained in a product should not exceed the 22% for carbamide
peroxide or 6.6% for hydrogen peroxide. Higher concentrations may involve safety issues
and increase the risk for enamel erosion or severe sensitivity in cold or hot.
Teeth bleaching should not be
done more often than eight months. Typically, it is recommended to be performed once a
year.
Teeth whitening is not
recommended in pregnant or lactating women, since no conclusions about safety have been
established yet. After all, the gums may be vulnerable or sore in these states because of
hormonal reasons.
If there are any fractures,
erosions, cavities, defective fillings or crowns, restorative treatment must be done
before bleaching.
Bleaching does not make any
difference on artificial teeth or white fillings. Any ceramic or resin composite fillings
and prosthetic appliances, such as crowns, veneers, bridges or dentures should be made
afterwards and be matched shade-wise, according to the improved color of the teeth.
If the teeth are prone to
sensitivity in cold or hot, whitening should be avoided or combined with fluoride or
potassium nitrate agents that can prevent the progressive deterioration of the
discomfort. Tooth pastes or gels for sensitive teeth, if used in between the bleaching
sessions, are very useful.
Tartar must be removed and
unhealthy gums must treated accordingly, before any bleaching procedure takes place. Even
healthy gums should be adequately protected in each session. Otherwise, there is a
possibility for them to get sore. This discomfort disappears within a few days after the
last session, though. Before you apply the bleaching stuff, you can spread some Vaseline
on your gums, if they are sensitive and you want to protect them. Use a flavored version,
if you cannot tolerate the greasy sensation of Vaseline.
Teeth whitening affects only
the enamel and not dentine. Thus, the color of any exposed part of a root will not be
improved.
For more information about the
above issues and for a professional evaluation of your mouth you may ask your
dentist.
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