| Check With Your
Dentist Before Whitening Your Smile Want whiter, brighter teeth? One option for
you may be tooth whitening, a procedure estimated by the American Dental Association in
1990 to account for the bulk of the 60 million cosmetic dental procedures performed in
this country.
Dentist-supervised products are applied
in a controlled environment .... Many dentists consider them to be safer than
over-the-counter, at-home whiteners, which may cause problems that you are unaware of.
But is whitening safe? The American Dental Association says that if you are going to
get your teeth whitened, you should do so under a dentist's supervision.
Dentist-supervised products are applied in a controlled environment and sometimes use a
custom-fitted mouthguard to minimize contact between the soft tissues of the mouth and the
hydrogen peroxide (the active ingredient found in many of the products). They are
considered by many dentists to be safer than over-the-counter, at-home whiteners, which
may cause problems that you are unaware of. Over-the-counter, at-home whiteners often can
allow more exposure of the mouth tissues to the active whitening agent, a situation
dentists warn against.
"Many patients may be under the impression that they can use over-the-counter
whitening products without concern," noted Dr. Kenneth Burrell, director, ADA Council
on Scientific Affairs. "There are some data to suggest that bleaching products may
cause damage to the tooth pulp, enamel, gums and other areas of the mouth. Your dentist
first can tell you if any whitening procedure at all is appropriate for you. He or she
also can monitor the procedure and determine if any adverse reactions do occur."
 
For example, not everyone's teeth will "whiten" the same. Yellowish-hued
teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth will bleach less well and
grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all. Your dentist can evaluate your situation
and give you the best advice. That advice may be to forego a whitening procedure and
instead opt for another cosmetic procedure such as porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) thus far has not taken an official stand on the
regulation of whitening products. The FDA, however, does agree with the ADA that consumers
who are considering over-the-counter whitening products consult with their dentist first.
What is the bottom line when it comes to tooth whitening procedures? Ask your dentist.
"If you seek to have your teeth whitened," said Dr. Burrell, "you should
first consult with your dentist before using any bleaching product on your teeth."
This way, says the ADA, your smile is not only brighter, it is brighter without
sacrificing safety in the process. |
