How Often Should I Visit The Dentist For Teeth Whitening
Most people go to the dentist when they have to, but do they know how often they’re supposed to go in to get teeth whitening done?
No one likes going to the dentist at any age. And while it's pretty common to put off a visit to the dentist for as long as possible, everyone does need to get into the habit of going in for regular cleanings, and they may even need regular whitening done to get a brighter smile. But just how regular does that need to be?
How often should I visit the dentist for teeth whitening?
What condition are the teeth in?
Whitening treatments are best performed on healthy teeth, and if the teeth are not generally healthy, then the dentist may refuse to do a whitening treatment. To keep the teeth white, it’s important to first keep them healthy, which means going to the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
If one’s dental hygiene is pretty average and they don't have a problem with cavities or staining, one can get away with going to the dentist twice a year for cleanings to maintain good dental health. Many people fall into this category, so many people can avoid their dentist other than a few days a year. But many people also fall into a second category: high-risk. If someone is in this other group, going to the dentist every 6 months just isn't going to cut it.
Teeth at risk
People who have a higher risk of getting cavities, gum disease or tooth stains need to go to the dentist even more frequently for cleanings and general oral checkups. If someone already has gum disease or existing problems with their teeth, if they’re a smoker, if they’re a heavy coffee drinker, if they tend to get a lot of cavities or if they are pregnant, then they’re at a higher risk. If any of these things describes someone, then they should be going to see the dentist every three to four months. Regular cleanings and checkups will help avoid tooth decay, cavities and other problems that can lead to gum disease and loss of teeth. After one starts visiting the dentist regularly as a high-risk patient and begins to take good care of their teeth, they may eventually be able to extend their time between dental visits. Continue to take care of the mouth, and one may be able to wait for up to 6 months between appointments.
Does a cleaning help whiten teeth?
A tooth cleaning will give someone a whiter smile because the teeth are typically polished at the end of a cleaning. However, a tooth whitening is a separate procedure provided by the dentist. Teeth whitening appointments must be scheduled in addition to cleanings.
Conclusion
The teeth need to be generally healthy for a professional dental whitening treatment, and they will be sensitive after the procedure. It's not advisable to have whitening treatments done too often. It's best to ask the dentist how often you can have a tooth whitening done.
Whitening treatments can weaken the teeth because of the strong chemicals that are used to remove stains. Whitening the teeth too often can lead to a loss of tooth enamel. Dentists recommend using teeth whitening treatments no more than once every three to six months, according to RealSelf. Schedule regular appointments with the dentist so your teeth will be white and healthy, and you’ll always have a dazzling smile.
If you still have questions, then give us a call today! We're happy to help in any way that we can.
Request an appointment here or call Calabasas Dental Care at (818) 591-2480 for an appointment in our Calabasas office.