Why is it Important to Fix Cavities Before Whitening Teeth?

Do you have discolored or stained teeth and wonder if whitening them can help? You may be considering a professional tooth whitening treatment, but did you know that it’s important to fix cavities before whitening your teeth? This blog will explain why it’s important to fix cavities before whitening, and some tips for protecting your teeth after the treatment.

Having stained or discolored teeth can be embarrassing and affect your confidence. Professional tooth whitening is a great way of restoring the natural color of your teeth, but did you know that it’s important to fix cavities before whitening? In this blog, we discuss why fixing cavities is essential before getting a professional teeth whitening treatment and tips for protecting your teeth after the treatment.

Why is it Important to Fix Cavities Before Whitening?

When you have cavities, the decayed portion of the tooth can be softer than other parts. When exposed to the bleaching agents used in professional teeth whitening treatments, these soft spots become vulnerable to the bleaching process. This makes the soft spots vulnerable to further damage, and can even lead to tooth sensitivity or pain post-treatment.

In addition, when you have cavities, it is quite common for bacteria to form inside them. The bleaching agents used in tooth whitening treatments may not be able to kill all of the bacteria, leading to infection and greater decay.

What Happens if You Whiten Cavities-Filled Teeth?

If you already have cavities that are not properly filled or treated before getting a professional teeth whitening treatment, the bleach used in the treatment can cause further damage to the soft areas of the tooth. In addition, it may lead to sensitivity and pain post-treatment as the bleach penetrates the deep parts of the cavity.

Tips for Protecting Your Teeth After a Whitening Treatment

Once your cavities have been filled and treated properly, there are certain measures you can take to protect your teeth after whitening. Here are some tips:

• Avoid eating or drinking anything that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wines.

• Brush twice a day with toothpaste containing fluoride to protect against further decay.

• Use a mouthwash that contains fluoride to help strengthen enamel and protect against cavities.

• Visit the dentist regularly to get your teeth checked and maintain good oral hygiene.

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. DIY Kits

Professional teeth whitening treatments are more effective and reliable compared to DIY (do-it-yourself) kits available over the counter. The bleaching agents used by professionals are more potent and effective than the ones found in DIY kits and can give you better results. However, these bleaching agents may also damage teeth if cavities are not fixed beforehand. This is why it’s important to get your teeth checked for cavities before getting professional whitening treatment.

Conclusion

It’s important to fix cavities before getting professional teeth whitening treatments to avoid further tooth damage and additional pain. Professional teeth whitening treatments are more effective than DIY kits, but they also come with the risk of causing additional decay if cavities are not fixed beforehand. Following good oral hygiene practices and visiting your dentist regularly can help protect your teeth from further damage after whitening.