Do You Have Periodontal Disease? What You Need To Know About Whitening Your Teeth
Posted on: 25 November 2017
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If you have periodontal disease, more commonly known as gingivitis and gum disease, it is not recommended that you undergo traditional whitening procedures in a dental office. But this does not mean that you have to live with yellow teeth. If you have periodontal disease, here is what you need to know about teeth whitening:
The Reason a Whitening Treatment Is Not Recommended
Traditional teeth whitening treatment in a dentist office involves the use of bleach or hydrogen peroxide on your teeth. Light is then shined directly on the teeth and gums, activating the solution and speeding up the whitening process. The solution that is used during this treatment can seep down and irritate your gums. That, combined with the light shining directly on your gums can result in increased sensitivity and discomfort and can even make your gums bleed. Due to the irritation to your gums, it is not recommended that patients with periodontal disease have this form of whitening treatment done.
What At-Home Treatments You Can Use
If your teeth are yellowing or stained and you have periodontal disease, it is safe to use many at-home treatments. These treatments include teeth whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, or at-home remedies, such as brushing your teeth with baking soda. Even those at-home treatments that state they contain bleach or hydrogen peroxide are safe to use at home. This is because the amount of bleach or hydrogen peroxide is much lower than the solution that is used in a dental office.
What Professional Treatments You Can Use
If at-home have not worked to brighten your smile or lift your stains, you may be wondering if there is anything a dentist can do to help you. While you may not be a candidate for in-office teeth whitening, a dentist can still offer you professional treatment. A dentist can make you custom molds of your teeth that can be filled with a solution that they recommend. The molds sit perfectly on your teeth, ensuring the solution does not drip down to your gums. Always follow the recommendations for how often the trays can be used and for how long they can be worn to get the best outcome. While this is not as fast as an in-office whitening solution, it is still an effective way to whiten your teeth without irritating your gums.
No one has to live with yellow teeth or stains on your teeth. Even those who have periodontal disease. If you have yellow teeth but have periodontal disease, you can still get the brighter, whiter smile you are after both on your own or with the help of a dentist.
Contact a dental office like Wallington Dental for more information and assistance.