Over Bleaching Can Cause Serious Problems

Everyone likes a beautiful smile, but unfortunately, a new disorder, known in the industry as, “Bleachorexia,” is happening all over the world and could have disastrous results

Over bleaching teeth with over the counter bleaching products can cause serious problems for your teeth and gums. Bleaching more than is recommended can make you sensitive to hot and cold and even make your teeth appear transparent. Your dentist explains that over bleaching can also ruin the enamel on your teeth.

Tooth whitening is big business with Americans spending over a billion dollars each year with both over the counter tooth whitening products such as gels, pastes and whitening strips, and professional in office tooth whitening and custom made tooth bleaching trays. In fact, in a recent study conducted by the American Dental Association tooth whitening toothpaste is more popular than fluoride or tartar control toothpaste.

Although more research is needed, there is evidence that when tooth-bleaching products are used as directed no permanent damage will occur.

Studies indicate that it is quite safe to bleach for two weeks if you are using an over the counter bleaching product or a custom-made whitening kit from your dentist. It is also safe to schedule one or two in office chair side bleaching session each year. However, your dentist will tell you that it is unsafe to include bleaching as part of your daily routine.

Other side effects, besides the tooth sensitivity, that could occur from over whitening include blue colored enamel, gum irritation, and uneven tooth whiteness. If the chemicals seep into an unfilled cavity or a cracked tooth, the internal damage will not only be painful, but could also result in a root canal. With the exception of the internal damage, all of the symptoms will clear up after a couple of weeks as long as you stop using the tooth bleaching products.

However, some people will not stop and become, “Bleachorexics.” A decade ago most people were not even aware of tooth whitening, but these days, most dentists will tell you that they have had to cut off more than one patient because of, “Bleachorexia.”  

One of the main reasons people can’t stop is because once they do, teeth will return to the color that they were before bleaching. Very few people are content with their tooth color after it begins to regress. This starts the cycle all over again, which eventually leads to over bleaching.

If you think you could be suffering from, “Bleachorexia,” schedule an appointment with your dentist who can help you kick the habit with a more permanent solution such as dental veneers or dental bonding. 

Root Canal Therapy is Not as Bad as You Think

Thanks to modern 21st century dental technology, you don’t have to run the other way when you hear the phrase, “Root Canal Therapy.” Root Canal Therapy in Fountain Valley is no more intrusive than a filling.

Root Canal Therapy is necessary if the nerves in your teeth have become decayed, are infected, or cracked. Root Canal Therapy is used to save the tooth by removing the diseased pulp located inside the tooth. The pulp consists of nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that keep your tooth healthy. Using special tools and dental materials it is possible to restore your tooth back to its normal function.

When the nerves in your tooth die, they need to be removed by your dentist using Root Canal Therapy. Although some people would rather have the tooth extracted, a pulled tooth can cause more problems that could prove quite costly.

According to the American Dental Association, Root Canal Therapy can last for the rest of your life and is very successful. With that being said, occasionally the tooth that was treated with Root Canal Therapy may need to be retreated because of infection.

Only your dentist can determine if Root Canal Therapy is necessary, but there are some symptoms to watch for. These include:

• Temperature sensitivity
• Toothaches
• Pimples or abscesses on your gums
• Tenderness and swelling

Be aware that you may not have any symptoms at all. When in doubt, schedule regular appointments with your dentist.

You may need a root canal if tooth decay has infected the pulp inside of your tooth. Root Canal Therapy is also necessary if an abscess or infection has developed on the tip of the root or inside the tooth itself.

Root Canal Therapy can take one of more dental appointments and is usually performed by your dentist. On occasion, a root canal specialist, or endodontist may be called in to take care of the procedure.

After your tooth is numbed, a rubber sheet or dam is placed around your tooth to make sure that it is dry and saliva free. An opening is made at the top of your tooth so that your dentist can file the opening removing the pulp from each root. If tooth decay is apparent, your dentist will remove that as well.

Once the tooth is cleaned, your dentist will seal it with a temporary or permanent filling dependant on the extent of the infection. If a second appointment is needed, your dentist will remove the temporary filling, check the roots, and fill it permanently. Your dentist may also recommend a dental crown to protect the tooth after the Root Canal.

For more information regarding Root Canal Therapy, schedule an appointment with your Fountain Valley Dentist today.