I’ve been whitening my teeth most of my adult life at a rate of about once every two years. In between, I use a whitening toothpaste. Recently, my teeth have been sensitive and I’ve read that sensitivity can be a warning sign for decay. A friend hinted that teeth whitening could be the cause. I’ve stopped using the whitening toothpaste and have canceled my upcoming whitening appointment. Do I have any options to keep my teeth white?
Laura
Dear Laura,
There is a mixture of confused information here that your friend gave you. Let’s start with the teeth whitening procedure. The whitening gel does open the tubuals on your teeth. This can allow the gel to oxidize your teeth from the inside out. It only lasts for a couple of days and goes back to normal. You’re encouraged to avoid staining foods during that time but it will not cause decay.
The whitening toothpastes, however, are generally abrasive. This is how they remove the surface stains. However, that damages your enamel, which can weaken your teeth making them more susceptible to decay. If you want to use a whitening toothpaste, I would suggest only using Supersmile toothpaste. It does not use abrasives, instead, it safely removes stains by using an ingredient that dissolves the protein pellicle.
If you want an option that has nothing to do with teeth whitening that will keep your smile white, you may want to consider porcelain veneers. They are not cheap. Typically, patients get them for a smile makeover. You can change absolutely anything about your smile including the shape, size, and color of your teeth. The porcelain is much more stain resistant than even your natural teeth. You wouldn’t have to whiten the veneers. They’ll keep their original color for years as long as you take good care of them.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.