Not Everyone Should Use Teeth Whitening Products

There are certain instances when teeth whitening products should not be used. Bleaching is not recommended for people younger than 16. This is because the pulp chamber and the nerve of the tooth are enlarged until this age. Using teeth whitening products might inflame the pulp or it just may become sensitive. Women who are pregnant or are breast feeding should not use teeth whitening products either.

If you have teeth and gums which are vulnerable, if your gums are receding or you have defective restorations, you should consult with your dentist before using teeth whitening products. Gum disease or worn enamel are other conditions that should prevent you from using teeth whitening kits.

Whitening products penetrate into any existing decay and the inner part of your teeth and the result will be increased teeth sensitivity. If you have exposed tooth roots, you will not be able to whiten this part as there is no enamel on the root of your tooth.

Veneers, bonding or connections will not change their shade when they are exposed to bleaching. Your teeth will be brighter than the restorations. People who smoke should be aware that the results of whitening procedures are limited if they continue to smoke.

Blue-gray stains caused by antibiotics, such as tetracycline are more difficult to lighten and need repeated treatments to get better results. Tetracycline stains the teeth if it is taken while they are developing inside your jaw. This happens at around three years of age, and once they erupt into the mouth, their colour is not affected by tetracycline any more. When this antibiotic was approved, it wasn’t known that it can permanently stain developing teeth. It was given to children as treatment for bacterial infections. Teeth may be stained entirely or just on certain areas. Such stains are usually darker in the center of the teeth. With stains that are not very dark, teeth whitening products offer satisfactory results.