How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened?

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened?

Most people put off going to the dentist even when they know they need to see one. You do not have to wait until you have a dental emergency to visit a dentist. There are reasons for dental visits that go beyond cavities and gum disease.

Having generally healthy teeth should not keep you away from the dental clinic. Regular checkups will help you maintain your healthy teeth. A good reason to visit your dentist regularly is to get your teeth cleaned and whitened.

Getting Teeth Whitening

You may have noticed that your teeth are not as white as you would like them to be. The truth is that even with the best oral hygiene habits, your teeth will change over time. There are some good reasons to get teeth whitening.

Diet and other lifestyle factors leave the teeth looking discolored. Fortunately, you do not have to hide your smile anymore. You can get your teeth whitened, giving you a much brighter smile.

Condition of Your Teeth

Before you get teeth whitening, your teeth need to be in good condition. Your dentist will recommend dealing with dental issues before you get the whitening. If you have cavities, tooth stains or gum disease, you need to get treatment for the dental problems.

Examination of your teeth will determine whether you are ready for professional whitening. Whitening teeth that are in poor condition is not very sensible as you are simply masking the real issue.

Getting Regular Checkup

If you have a high risk of getting gum disease, stains, or cavities, you need to visit a dentist more than twice a year. Regular checkups and cleanings will help you avoid serious issues down the line. If you are a heavy smoker, frequent coffee drinker, or pregnant, you need more frequent dental checkups. You have a higher risk of developing dental problems.

If you have existing teeth or gum issues, you should visit a dentist every few months. Your dentist will recommend the best schedule for you depending on your situation.

Cleaning or Whitening?

It is important to realize that there is a difference between professional teeth cleaning and whitening. Cleaning may leave your teeth looking clean and bright but they are not necessarily whiter.

They may look whiter but this is because of the polishing process at the end of the cleaning. Teeth whitening is a separate dental procedure that can be scheduled alongside teeth cleaning. The process will involve the use of chemicals to remove the stains.

How Often You Should Whiten Your Teeth

Too frequent teeth whitening is not advisable. The teeth will feel sensitive after dental whitening. The treatments should not be done too often because of the strong chemicals involved. Frequent whitening can lead to erosion of the tooth enamel, which can weaken the teeth. Ask your dentist about how often to get the whitening done. Most dentists recommend whitening the teeth not more than two or three times a year.

When it comes to teeth whitening, there is no one-size-fits-all. You need to find out the best way to maintain your white teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatment will give you the smile that you desire.

To know more about professional teeth whitening, visit Elite Dentistry & Implant Center at our office in Chelsea, Alabama. You can also call 205-224-0040 to schedule an appointment today.