ORAL HEALTH MONTH
APRIL 2025 • SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS
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A special note about teeth whiteners
Always check with your dentist or hygienist before using a teeth-whitening product. Antel said it can be hard to determine a product’s safety by just reading its label, as products sometimes don’t disclose all proprietary information. Use them correctly, either daily for a prescribed period, or not at all. Watch for sensitivity and inflammation. If you notice any, immediately schedule a checkup. “If used correctly, the over-the-counter ones will give you that whitening you’re looking for,” Antel said. Beware of quick fixes. Antel cautioned that results often take a minimum of two to six weeks and as long as nine months, in some cases. Don’t over-bleach, as it doesn’t look natural. Note that dental work such as crowns and fillings won’t change colour. Hein said the results are a factor of the concentration of the whitening agent and the amount of time it is on your teeth. Over- the-counter products containing whitening gel usually work and are generally considered safe. However, generic products are not customized to the individual user, so the gel can cause gum irritation, and, if left in too long, tooth sensitivity. “Any tooth-whitening work can result in some tooth sensitivity, but it's a temporary thing that goes away,” Hein said.
14 Pediatric & Orthodontic specialists and growing!
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