White teeth are not just about aesthetic appeal but also a sign of good oral hygiene. A lack of dental hygiene can lead to the yellowing of teeth, compromising your oral health and even causing further complications that can harm your overall health. That said, here are a few benefits and risks of teeth whitening you should consider before opting for the process.
1. Benefits
Teeth whitening brings with it several benefits:
- Improves appearance
A good-quality teeth whitening product can make a huge difference to your appearance and make you feel confident about yourself. Not many people know this, but whiter teeth can also reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles by drawing more attention to your smile. - Helps you make a good first impression
Clean, white teeth can boost your confidence, and what are first impressions if not about exuding self-confidence? It also increases your work opportunities by helping you appear more presentable. - Sign of good oral hygiene
Bright white smiles are a sign that you follow your oral hygiene routine religiously. It is also a sign of optimal health and helps keep gum and tooth problems at bay. - Affordable
Thanks to its growing popularity, teeth whitening has become a go-to solution for many people to enhance their appearance instantly. It is an affordable dental treatment, but the prices may vary depending on whether you opt for OTC whitening kits, take-home whitening products, or an office visit to the dentist.
2. Risks of teeth whitening
You must also understand the risks of teeth whitening along with its benefits:
- Risky for aging patients
Seniors and people who have peroxide sensitivity should refrain from using teeth whitening products. - Causes sensitivity in teeth and gums
Strong whitening agents can cause some people to experience teeth and gums sensitivity. - Can trigger gum irritation
Bleaching from teeth whitening products may lead to gum irritation, depending upon your age, lifestyle, and the condition of your teeth. Besides, the bleaching cream can cause intense pain and tooth damage if it leaks into a cavity or a crack. - Possibility of uneven results
If you have overlapping or crooked teeth and use whitening strips, the results may be uneven as the strips leave behind patches, which can cause you to have uneven teeth coloration. - Provides temporary results
The results you achieve from a teeth whitening product or process are not permanent, and people who smoke or regularly consume coffee/wine may particularly witness the reappearance of stains.
While the teeth whitening process has both benefits and risks, it is an excellent way to brighten your smile and boost dental health. That said, it’s advisable to consult a dentist before you make a choice. They can help you make an informed decision and select the most suitable product or process.
