Kids and Teeth from Babyhood to University

Teeth whitening is one of the most common procedures a dentist has to perform on an everyday basis. Many people get their teeth whitened to get rid of stains caused by consumption of darkening fluids like coffee and overall darkening of the enamel caused by age. There are many products you can use at home out on the market, but to be sure you get a result as good as possible, it's safer to go to a dentist. However, it's not just a one time thing. You need to prepare in order to get effective teeth whitening. If you are thinking about getting your teeth whitened, there are some things you should know before.

Evaluating the potential

The first thing you need to know is that the session where the teeth whitening is taking place is not the only time you need to go to see your dentist. First, you need a check-up to make sure your oral health is good enough to get your teeth whitened. The dentist will check to see if you have any cavities, gum disease, or dental fillings. All cavities or diseases need to be fixed before tooth whitening, as the procedure might not be as effective on damaged teeth and might even damage your teeth further. Dental fillings won't stop you from whitening your teeth, but it's good for the dentist to know if there are any certain whitening substances they can't use because of your fillings.

Cleaning the teeth

You should also see a dental hygienist before whitening your teeth to get them cleaned. You should do this to remove any plaque or tartar that you have on your teeth, as this might affect how much whiter your teeth can become. It's not something you're obligated to do, but to get the best result from whitening, it's advised. They will also be able to tell you whether or not the stains on your teeth are caused by plaque or if it's internal stains. This is good to know, as some whiteners won't work as effectively on internal stains.

Preparing Sensitive teeth

If you have very sensitive teeth, you should prepare for tooth whitening by brushing your teeth with toothpaste containing fluoride and potassium. You should also ask your dentist about putting fluoride in the trays as you're getting your teeth whitened, as this might decrease any sensation of discomfort you might get in your sensitive teeth while whitening them. Make sure you brush your teeth with the fluoride and potassium toothpaste for at least a couple of weeks before the procedure to get the most effect out of it.