Preparing for Teeth Whitening Treatment
Whether you have already scheduled an appointment at our Kansas City practice or you are simply considering tooth whitening treatment, you may be wondering about the best way to get ready for the procedure. Luckily, teeth whitening is a quick, safe, and low-risk procedure, so little preparation is required. However, Dr. John Goodman can help you take a few simple steps to make your treatment more effective, with long-lasting results. To learn more about how to prep for teeth whitening, contact the office of John Goodman, D.D.S. today.
Your Consultation
Before any cosmetic treatment, you will have a complete consultation with your dentist. Dr. Goodman will examine your dental health to make sure you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. For example, if you are suffering from dental decay, this problem will need to be treated before the patient can undergo the teeth whitening procedure. After taking your health history, conducting a visual examination, and taking x-rays, Dr. Goodman can determine if this treatment is right for you. At this appointment, he can also help you decide whether in-office or at-home treatment will best suit your needs.
Pre-Whitening Cleaning
Before your whitening treatment, Dr. Goodman will also provide a complete cleaning, removing bacteria, plaque, and tartar from your teeth. This creates a clean slate for the whitening process and reduces your risk for decay and future stains.
Lifestyle Changes
Although teeth whitening is highly successful, it is not a magic cure, and the natural staining process will continue to affect your smile. To ensure long-lasting results following your treatment, you should make a commitment to dental health before your treatment. If you do not already do so, begin practicing good dental hygiene. You should brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day, waiting 30 minutes after meals. You should also floss once a day and use antibacterial mouthwash.
Certain foods and drinks are notorious for causing dental stains. They include:
- Coffee
- Black Tea
- Red and white wine
- Soy sauce
- Tomato sauce
- Dark berries
If you are unwilling to cut these foods out entirely, you should consume them in moderation, and you should drink plenty of water at the same time. Of course, you should rinse out your mouth and brush your teeth when you are done. It is best to begin cutting back on these foods before your teeth whitening treatment. That way, you already have good habits in place, and it is easier to protect your brighter smile.
Teeth Whitening Prep for Patients with Sensitive Teeth
Although teeth whitening products are designed to minimize discomfort, if you already have sensitive teeth and gums, there are certain things you can do to make your treatment more comfortable. For example, there are several types of anti-sensitivity toothpastes, which numb your teeth or block exposed tubules that cause discomfort.
