Isn’t it great when you do one good thing, and inadvertently end up doing something else? If you have ever whitened your teeth via your dentist’s office, then great news, you’ve done just that.
As D. Gordon Rye, D.D.S. of Rye Smiles for Life in Fairfax Virginia explains, bleaching your teeth to achieve a brighter smile actually has benefits that extend to the health of your gums.
As you may already know, there are two common methods of whitening your teeth. The in-office option allows your dentist to use a concentrated solution. Once activated by a laser, the whitening solution penetrates your tooth’s enamel to eliminate stains. You can see results in just one treatment, and achieve your desired shade after three to six treatments.
If you feel that you don’t have time to go to your dentist office for the teeth whitening, then you can also buy a powerful at-home kit from your dentist. It still offers better results than you’d find in a method sold at a local drugstore. This requires that you wear a tray filled with bleaching paste for about an hour and a half each day, for four to six weeks, or until you see the shade of your teeth change to the level of whiteness you desire.
As Dr. Rye explains, both options are great for treating your gums as well because of the solution’s hydrogen peroxide. It may seem like a bit of a chemistry lesson, but the process is actually quite simple, assures Dr. Rye. When the whitening solution is in your mouth, the hydrogen peroxide breaks down to both hydrogen and oxygen. Then, the oxygen works to kill the bad bacteria in your mouth, thus preventing gum disease.
While you will definitely see an improvement in the shade of your teeth, you can also expect to see an improvement in your gums if you have had problems such as slight inflammation or tenderness, or being prone to bleeding.
The method is a lot like when you got a cut when you were younger and your mother or father poured hydrogen peroxide on the wound. Afterwards, you saw bubbling and fizzing, which really was the oxygen molecules attacking the bacteria before it had a chance to enter the cut. The same procedure is taking place in your mouth. Still, Dr. Rye strongly suggests that you not bathe your mouth in hydrogen peroxide to achieve the same results, as ingesting too much could be harmful. And, visiting your dentist if you are having any trouble with your gums, is still the best way to treat the problem.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
