{"id":32,"date":"2023-08-01T16:44:56","date_gmt":"2023-08-01T16:44:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentistryforlife.com\/blog\/?p=32"},"modified":"2023-08-01T16:44:56","modified_gmt":"2023-08-01T16:44:56","slug":"cavities-and-teeth-whitening-a-dangerous-combination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentistryforlife.com\/blog\/?p=32","title":{"rendered":"Cavities and Teeth Whitening: A Dangerous Combination"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If your teeth have some mild stains, you might be thinking about picking up a whitening kit from your local store. However, you should not be so quick to take action. If you have any spots of decay on your teeth, you could end up hurting yourself. Why are cavities and teeth whitening<\/a> a dangerous combination? This blog post explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Cavities and Bleaching Formulas Do Not Mix<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even in perfectly healthy teeth, teeth bleaching formulas commonly cause increased sensitivity. That is because the bleaching formula causes the tiny pores in teeth to open slightly. Then, the whitening product can break up unwanted pigment molecules inside the enamel. Usually, the sensitivity wears off fairly quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In teeth that have cavities or decay, the sensitivity can be significantly worse than it is for healthy teeth. In fact, exposing decayed teeth to a bleaching formula could cause permanent damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is also important to keep in mind that if your teeth look brown or dark due to decay, a teeth whitening treatment will not help to improve their appearance. Whitening products are designed specifically to address stains caused by things like food, drink, and other everyday activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Safe Way to Whiten Your Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is an easy way to avoid the discomfort and potential damage associated with using whitening products on decayed teeth. Visit your dentist for a checkup. A thorough visual exam, along with X-rays, can reveal whether you have any cavities. After you receive appropriate treatment, it should be safe for you to whiten your teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a couple of notes that can have a bearing on your teeth whitening process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n