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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Is overnight teeth whitening really bad for your teeth?

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I have bleaching trays from my former dentist and I do periodic touchups. I only do them once a year about a week or two after I get my teeth cleaned. I usually only need to do it one or two nights and I’m good untilthe next year. My husband told me that he read about some people who had problems from bleaching overnight. Is this really a danger? – Haley T.

Haley – The amount of time you leave the bleaching gel on your teeth depends on your individual sensitivity. If the bleaching gel isn’t creating sensitivity, you can leave the trays on.

While you sleep, your saliva production is reduced, and the bleaching gel stays on your teeth much longer and is more effective. Some people who wear the trays overnight experience a lot of sensitivity. In this case, a lower-strength bleaching gel can be used, or the trays can be worn only during the day for a limited period of time.

Anyone who has reason for concern about teeth whitening touch-ups—the gel, or the length of time it’s used—should speak with his or her dentist about it. Your dentist can examine your teeth and let you know if your tooth roots or the enamel of your teeth are being adversely affected.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Teeth whitening kit from the dentist hurts and burns!

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Hi. I got a teeth whitening kit from my dentist. I wanted to do things the right way and not get a cheap kit or something that would not work. I can tell that my teeth are getting whiter, but the kit is really hurting my teeth and making them feel like they are being shocked or zinged. Also my gums are burning and turning white. What is this stuff? What should I do now? thank you. – Renae W.

Renae – It is not unusual to experience some sensitivity during teeth bleaching, but what you describe is more intense than usual.

Stop using the teeth whitening kit, and contact your dentist and explain what you are experiencing. You may need a whitening gel that is not as strong. It is possible that the bleaching trays need to be adjusted so that the gel isn’t affecting your gums so much.

Additionally, be certain that you are closely following the instructions on how much bleaching gel to use in each tray and how long you are wearing the trays.

Contact your dentist for additional assistance.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Teeth whitening made my teeth feel like they’re being electrocuted!

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I got my teeth cleaned 2 days ago. I know it’s good to do my whitening touch-up after they have been cleaned so I put the gel in my whitening trays and wore them overnight. I didn’t feel any pain overnight, but as the morning went on I felt this huge zinging in my teeth, like my teeth were being electrocuted! It really hurt. Also I noticed that if I drank something cold or hot or ate something sweet, the sensitivity was even worse. It’s getting a little better now but I was really concerned. Why does teeth whitening hurt so bad? –  Rebekah

Rebekah – Teeth whitening can cause some sensitivity, but extreme sensitivity isn’t always felt. And for many people it doesn’t hurt at all.

The teeth-bleaching process opens pores in the dentin of your teeth and causes increased sensitivity. Dentin is the calcified tissue beneath the enamel of your teeth. The nerve in a tooth can also be temporarily irritated by the bleaching process and cause sensitivity.

After you’re finished with the bleaching process, thoroughly rinse your mouth with water.

You can ask your dentist for desensitizing gel, which is applied to your teeth about 30 minutes before you bleach them. If you experience extreme sensitivity, some dentists recommend taking ibuprofen before you whiten your teeth. Some patients find it helpful to brush their teeth with Sensodyne® toothpaste in the days and weeks following teeth bleaching.

Other suggestions are to reduce the amount of bleaching gel you place in the trays or wear the trays for a shorter period of time.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

I smoke. How can I keep my teeth white?

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I am a smoker. I know that it stains my teeth and makes them yellow. I have no plans to quit smoking but I do want white teeth. What can I do to try to keep my teeth reasonably white? – Thomas

Thomas – Teeth whitening from your dentist will break down the yellow stains and make your smile brighter. It is unlikely that you will get good results from whitening strips.

Your dentist has professional-strength whitening gel to give you a white smile. Your teeth will continue to stain as you smoke, but you can do periodic touch-ups as instructed by your dentist.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

How do i keep my teeth white after using crest whitening strips?

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How do i keep my teeth white after using crest whitening strips? – Erika

Erika – If you are pleased with the results that you received from whitening strips, you need to do periodic touch-ups to keep your teeth white. If you want an even brighter smile, ask your dentist about take-home teeth whitening.

You will get the best results with teeth whitening from your dentist because professional-strength whitening gel is used.

Regardless of whether you use over-the-counter whitening strips or teeth whitening from your dentist, in time, your teeth will stain from food and drink, so you will have to do occasional touch-ups to keep your teeth white.

This post is sponsored by Lowell dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek is an accredited cosmetic dentist.