Most people would like to have whiter teeth. Having a bright white smile is not only attractive, but it can also make you look years younger – and who wouldn’t want that? However, some people hesitate to get professional teeth whitening done for fear that it can damage their teeth. In fact, one of the most commonly asked questions about teeth whitening is whether it will damage the enamel.
So let us put your mind at ease. Teeth whitening does NOT damage your tooth enamel.
How Professional Teeth Whitening Works
While enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it consists of microscopic tubules that reach down to the second layer of the tooth which is called dentin.
For tooth whitening gel to be effective, it must travel past the enamel through the tubules in order to lighten the dentin underneath. After the whitening gel has done its work, tubules in the enamel quickly become remineralized thanks to the organic material in the saliva. Your teeth are left just as healthy as they were before – only whiter.
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Why Are Teeth Sensitive After Whitening?
For some people, teeth whitening can cause sensitivity in the teeth but fortunately, this is only temporary. The reason sensitivity occurs is because during the whitening process, teeth become dehydrated. Dehydration of teeth can happen whenever saliva flow is interrupted through activities such as breathing through your mouth, illness, certain medications, smoking and also teeth whitening.
When teeth are dehydrated, they can be more sensitive to hot and cold, so you should avoid subjecting the teeth to extreme temperatures following a whitening session. It is also important to stay away from foods or drinks that can re-stain your teeth because dentin will more absorb colour more easily while the teeth are dehydrated.
The good news is that it only takes a few hours for your teeth to become rehydrated and once this happens, you can go back to enjoying the foods and drinks that you love.
Getting your teeth professionally whitened can be a great way to restore your smile and boost your confidence. Now that we’ve addressed any fears about the possibility of the procedure damaging your teeth, you can make your decision with confidence.
If you have any further questions about professional teeth whitening, or if you would like to book an appointment, call Town Smiles Dental today.