Teeth Whitening Is not Recommended When…

Who should avoid teeth whitening

Teeth whitening has become very popular and has made a difference to the lives of a lot of people. However, it is not effective for everyone and may have health implications for some. Hear are some points to consider.

Teeth whitening is not advised for children under sixteen since it may cause irritation of the pulp chamber of the tooth or make it more sensitive.

Pregnant women and lactating mothers are also advise not to undertake this procedure.

While most people experience no side effects, if you already suffer from sensitive teeth or receding gums, you should seek advice about possible problems before going ahead.

You should also be aware of the possibility of allergic reactions to some of the bleaching agents.

If discolouration is due to tooth or gum disease or decay of the enamel, bleaching is not suitable and could cause further irritation.

If you have any kind of restorative work such as crowns, bridges or veneers, they will not be affected by bleaching. This could result in uneven whitening.

The results that can be achieved are not the same for everyone. Yellowish teeth can be relatively easily whitened. Brown or or grey looking teeth can be less responsive to treatment. Set your expectations accordingly.

Smokers should consider stopping during treatment and be aware that they may require more frequent follow up treatments.

If in doubt, it is always worth seeking medical advice before using home teeth whitening kits.