Why Cavities Should Pause Your Teeth Whitening Treatment

It’s common for people to want whiter teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatments offered by a qualified dentist can indeed remove surface staining and brighten your smile, but depending on your oral health situation, you might want to hit pause on your esthetic dreams. Conditions like cavities could seriously harm your less-than-pearly whites if they’re not taken care of before your treatment!

To learn more and find out why scheduling a consultation first is the way to go, keep reading.

Tooth Structure 101

You might be inclined to think of your tooth as one solid hunk of calcium and phosphorus. Teeth, however, are actually composed of two main mineral layers and a squishy center. The surface layer is also the hardest and is called enamel. Underneath enamel lies the dentin layer, and past that, you’ll finally find your dental nerves.

Both layers protect your teeth from bacteria and uncomfortable sensations, but dentin sits much closer to your dental nerves and is more sensitive than enamel. These are important points to keep in mind when talking about tooth decay and teeth whitening!   

How Teeth Whitening Removes Stains

Most whitening agents contain hydrogen peroxide and/or hydrogen carbamide. These are powerful bleaching chemicals specifically designed to slip through the pours in your enamel to eliminate surface stains.

These agents are generally safe for healthy teeth, though – when they’re in the hands of a skilled professional like your dentist, that is. Over the counter products often incorporate rough ingredients that can damage your enamel over time and are not FDA approved.

Connecting the Dots

Even your dentist’s FDA-approved whitening methods can cause temporary dental sensitivity for perfectly healthy teeth. Imagine what would happen to unhealthy teeth that have their dentin or nerves exposed due to cavities or decay! These tender substances aren’t meant to interact with whitening agents, meaning your treatment would be painful. Worse still, your weakened teeth could sustain irreversible damage.

What Should I Do Instead?

It’s important to schedule a consultation with your dentist before whitening your teeth – or before proceeding with any dental treatment. The consultation allows you and your dentist to get on the same page about your goals, but it also gives them a chance to examine your teeth and review your health history.

If you have signs of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, or other compromising conditions, your dentist will help you treat those problems first. Once your oral health and safety is secured, then you’ll be able to achieve your dream smile!

About the Dentist

Dr. Alan R. DeAngelo has always been active in his community and dedicated to dental excellence. While pursuing his degree, he was a proud member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical/Dental Honor Society. Since graduating from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Dr. DeAngelo has completed several continuing education courses, including advanced training for esthetic dentistry. If you want to cosmetically enhance your smile with teeth whitening, Dr. DeAngelo will make sure your oral health is in tip-top shape for your treatment! To contact his office, call 708-854-5912.