Some time during your life, you probably are going to see something about white teeth on television, and then you are going to look in the mirror and smile; you probably will see that your teeth are not as white as the teeth you see on television. So, you might consider whitening your teeth. Should you?

You must understand that teeth whitening is not a simple process. It may take a long time, cost you a lot of money, or both. Be aware that it is not 100% safe, either. There are some health risks. Know what you are getting into before going through with a whitening treatment.

Whitening is usually done either with over-the-counter products or with lasers. The former is easy to get a hold of, while the latter requires visiting a dentist or a health and beauty spa. Most whitening products contain a form of bleach that needs to sit on your teeth for a long period.

How Much Time Will You Need?

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are usually required to be used for an hour every day for 7 to– days. While using them, you are restricted from any activity which you must use your mouth. You can still talk, but you cannot eat, drink, smoke, etc.

Do You Even Need to Whiten Your Teeth?

Teeth whitening products are good for people with seriously stained teeth. You might have seriously stained teeth if you have been drinking lots of coffee or tea for a very long time, or you might have teeth like this if you have had braces which stained your teeth. Just make sure you are not “white-orexic” and obsessed with getting your teeth whiter and whiter. Some people will whiten their teeth so much that it looks strange and unnatural.

If your teeth are normal/normal-white, then you should not be looking at whitening. Sure, white teeth are good to have, but it can be overdone. Do not overdo it, as you will look silly.

Do you have a sensitive mouth?

Many will find whitening uncomfortable or unbearable if they have sensitive mouths. Teeth whitening can cause gum and tooth sensitivity which usually lasts between 24 and 48 hours, but sometimes it can be permanent.

Permanent sensitivity is uncommon and should not be feared by most people, as it is relatively rare. It occurs after heavy usage of teeth whitening products used for a very long time; most users will not have this problem if they “follow the directions.” However, keep it in mind that it is a possibility, and, by whitening your teeth, you are exposing yourself to that risk.

Sensodyne and other sensitive-teeth toothpastes are good for people during the whitening treatment. If your teeth are sensitive, or you think they might become sensitive, you should switch to Sensodyne or another similar product before, during, and for a short time after the teeth whitening procedure.

Remember, the decision is yours. If you are considering using any of the teeth whitening products, the best thing you can do is to educate yourself on the risks and benefits of each. Do not use any without first educating yourself.

Cody Scholberg, a teeth whitening guru, is an expert on teeth whitening products. Check out his reviews of Crest’s Whitestrips before you buy them!

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