A Risky Mix: Here’s Why You Should Treat Cavities Before Teeth Whitening

If you’ve ever wanted to lighten your smile and remove all the unwanted stains, teeth whitening is your best bet! But if you have untreated cavities, this handy cosmetic procedure can do more harm than good. Whitening agents are designed to remove discoloration from your enamel, not repair damage. So, ignoring underlying dental issues may lead to painful results! Continue reading to learn why cavities and teeth whitening don’t mix and see how to safely brighten your grin.

Why Is Whitening with Cavities Dangerous?

Whitening products, including gels, strips, and professional treatments, use chemical agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to remove stains. While these are safe for healthy teeth, they can irritate or even worsen cavities!

When these whitening chemicals come into contact with exposed decay, it often triggers intense sensitivity and discomfort. It can also damage the inner layers of your tooth structure and even affect your gums if the decay is near the gumline.

How Should Cavities Be Treated?

Before going forward with teeth whitening, it’s best to address any cavities you have with fillings, crowns, or other restorations. These treatments protect your damaged teeth, ensuring that the whitening agents don’t reach the sensitive inner layers. Once your smile is healthy, you can safely enjoy whitening treatments without the risk of discomfort or further damage.

How You Can Safely Whiten Your Smile

If you’re dealing with cavities but want a whiter smile, here’s what to do step-by-step:

1. Schedule a Dental Checkup

Step one is scheduling a consultation with your dentist. This allows them to examine your mouth, look for any dental damage, and create a treatment plan to get your smile on track.

2. Follow Your Treatment Plan

Once you’ve had your consultation, your dentist will put together a treatment plan, which is like a roadmap to restore your smile. This plan will include a summary of the treatments you’ll undergo and an estimated timeline of when it should be completed.

3. Ask About Professional Whitening

When your cavities have been addressed, it’s time for the fun part! Talk to your dentist about whitening your smile either in the office or at home!

4. Keep Up a Healthy Oral Routine

Brightening your smile with teeth whitening isn’t the end of your treatment! Once you’ve achieved your desired results, it’s time to keep them. Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings can prevent new cavities from forming and help keep your smile looking fresh.

While teeth whitening can transform your smile, it’s not worth risking your oral health. Treating cavities first ensures a safer, more effective whitening process! So, if you’re ready to achieve the dazzling smile of your dreams, it’s time to schedule a checkup with your dentist!

About the Practice

At Advanced Dental Center, Dr. Glenn Shtarkman and Dr. Caroline Salib are passionate professionals who love helping their patients improve their smiles. Whether you need a filling to repair a tooth or a whitening treatment to brighten your whole grin, they can provide tailor-made treatments to fit your needs. Call (440) 885-5354 to schedule a teeth whitening consultation at our Parma Heights office or visit our website to learn more.