Tooth Bleaching
Why not do it yourself?
1 Both European and American authorities examining 20 years of data indicate that correct levels of bleach under dentist supervision present no long-term oral or systemic health risks.
2 Over the counter bleaching products can damage tooth enamel.
3 Unsafe levels of bleach interact with DNA and are believed to be carcinogenic.
4 There are stains and dark teeth that bleaching cannot correct.
5 Some dark stains are a sign of disease or condition requiring dental therapy.
6 Bleaching aggravates some dental conditions that only a dentist can diagnose.
7 Bleaching is not recommended if you have certain medical conditions.
8 Teeth should be professionally cleaned and free of plaque, tartar and calculus prior to bleaching.
9 Only a dentist is legally licensed to perform a complete and thorough dental examination prior to bleaching which would include:
-Health and dental history
-Examination of oral hard and soft tissues
-Examination for oral cancer
-Check for infection
-History of allergies and past tooth sensitivity
-X-ray if needed
10 A dentist can answer your questions about realistic bleaching expectations and maintaining the results of tooth whitening.
The above information is summarized from:
Tooth Whitening/Bleaching: Treatment Considerations for Dentists and their Patients ADA Council on Scientific Affairs September 2009 (revised November 2010)
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