How To Whiten Your Teeth When You Have Sensitive Gums
Having your teeth whitened can boost your self-confidence and improve your appearance, but it's not easy for everyone. If your gums are sensitive, sore, or have other problems, whitening your teeth can be tough. If you want white teeth but are tired of dealing with the discomfort whitening your teeth can bring your gums, follow these steps.
Gum Care
The first thing on your list should be to visit a dentist to get your gums taken care of. Chances are if they're sensitive that there's some level of underlying gum disease going on. It could be as minor as early-stage gingivitis, but it doesn't mean it's something that should be overlooked. Gum disease can cause you to lose your teeth if ignored long enough. The whiteness of your teeth won't matter if you lose some, so take care of the foundation of your teeth first and see a dentist for your gums.
Professional Whitening
While you're at the dentist's office, talk to them about getting your teeth whitened following your gum care. One of the common reasons for gum sensitivity when using a home-whitening kit is that the gums are often exposed to the whitening substance that you use on your teeth. Whatever type of whitening product you use, they're not supposed to come into contact with the gums. Doing so can damage the tissue of your gums and leave them sensitive, sore, or prone to infection.
Professional whitening, on the other hand, is done by a dentist or dental hygienist that can carefully apply it to just your teeth. Most dentists also use a protective substance over your gums to further ensure that they aren't damaged or injured.
Reduce Whitening Frequency
Finally, stick with your professional whitenings so that you don't have to get your teeth whitened as often. Professional whitening tends to do a better job, and the whitening affects more layers of the tooth. Subsequently, you can keep your whitening results for longer and don't need to worry about repeating the process as frequently as you have at home. This can also save you money in the long run. It's a win-win for your oral health and your wallet!
Getting your teeth whitened is a great way to improve your looks, but you shouldn't be damaging your gums in the process. If you frequently whiten your teeth and your gums are sensitive as a result, follow the tips in this guide, and you can ensure that your teeth will look more brilliant than ever and your gums will feel better, too.
For more information, contact a dental office like Pike Dentistry.
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