Caring for an Elderly Parent With Special Dental Needs
Teeth Looking A Little Dull? Why You Should Always Have Them Whitened In A Dental Office
Joe Lawrence
If you haven't been seeing the dentist for your whitening treatments, you might be selling yourself short and jeopardizing your oral health. While over-the-counter treatment options and non-dental professional treatment options may initially save you money, you'll be saving money at the cost of your teeth. Here are four reasons why you should always have your teeth whitened in a dental office.
Custom Treatment
Some over-the-counter whitening treatments use plastic dental trays for the delivery system. Unfortunately, the trays that come in the kits are designed to be one-size-fits-all. So, the chances are good that the trays aren't going to fit you properly. If the trays are too small, they can cut into your gums, which can lead to sores. If the trays are too loose, the whitening gel can ooze into other areas of your mouth and cause burns. Not only that, but the whitening gel can seep down your throat, causing you to swallow it. When you have your teeth whitened in the dentist office, they'll use a custom tray designed to fit your mouth. As a result, the gel will remain where it belongs, and you won't develop any painful sores.
Better Results
If you're bothered by minor discoloration, you might do well with over-the-counter whitening gels and strips. However, if you're dealing with more than just superficial stains and discoloration, you're going to need more than those over-the-counter whitening products. Many people try to increase the whitening results by increasing the amount of whitening product they use, or extending the amount of time that they leave the product on their teeth. Unfortunately, that won't improve the results, but it can cause serious injuries to your gums and tooth enamel. If you have stubborn, set-in stains that you need to get rid of, you need professional whitening services.
Care for Tooth Sensitivity
Over-the-counter whitening products can cause increased tooth sensitivity, especially when you suffer from receding gums or diminished enamel. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, you shouldn't try to whiten your teeth at home. Instead, visit a dentist and have them provide you with the proper treatment. Your dentist can protect your gums during treatment to prevent increased sensitivity.
Proper Hygiene Rules
If you've been tempted to have non-professional whitening treatments, such as those found in mall kiosks or spas, you might be putting your health in jeopardy. These providers aren't required to follow the same hygiene and safety procedures as licensed dentists are required to follow. That means you could be exposed to harmful chemicals or non-sterile whitening equipment. Don't take chances with your health. Have your teeth whitening done in a dental office and enjoy the results.
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Caring for an elderly parent tends to be tough enough without the added stress of dealing with dental implants or dentures. But, the prospect is not the end of the world—there are many things you can do to ensure that your parent's dental health is not compromised without having to spend a lot of personal time doing the care yourself. Between working with the right dentist, hiring a service provider for part time work, and giving your parent the tools he or she needs to care for his or her own dental health at home, you'll find that dental health for your loved one isn't so tough or time consuming after all. Hopefully you are able to get the support and information you need right here.