Teeth Whitening: The Pros & Cons

Teeth Whitening: The Pros & Cons

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to have a bright, white and beautiful smile? A radiant grin can be an instant boost of self-confidence and when we look our best, we can feel our best. Luckily, teeth whitening can help us achieve that dream smile that is easily achievable with the wide range of whitening options we have today. So, you may be wondering: what exactly is teeth whitening? Teeth whitening involves brightening one’s teeth while improving discolorations or stains left behind by certain types of foods and drinks we regularly consume. It is a popular and safe cosmetic dental procedure that typically contains one of two active tooth ingredients- hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which break down teeth stains into smaller pieces and make discolorations less apparent.

To help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you, today, we’re focusing on some of the pros and cons of teeth whitening!

Pro: You will gain a boost of confidence.

The largest benefit of teeth whitening is cosmetic. Your teeth will appear brighter and more appealing which will give you that confidence to show off your pearly white smile. Having a smile you are proud of will also help you show up more confidently and be less self-conscious about your smile.

Con: You may experience mild to moderate tooth sensitivity.

When a high concentration of tooth bleach is used and applied for long periods of time, you may begin to experience mild to moderate tooth sensitivity as well as gum irritation. This is because some whitening treatments can be harsh on enamel, leading to an increase in sensitivity. Fortunately, this issue will typically resolve in a few hours or days and can be decreased with the use of sensitivity toothpastes such as Sensodyne.

Pro: You have a plethora of whitening options to choose from that are convenient, low-cost and safe.

There are many options for teeth whitening today and those can include at-home products, from strips to gels to trays, as well as whitening products that can be applied professionally at your dentist’s office. Since there is a variety of whitening options, you can comfortably choose the option that is most convenient for you!

Con: Results won’t last forever.

After your teeth are exposed to things like coffee, wine or tobacco, it is very likely that your teeth will begin to lose their brightness and may yellow over time. In order to maintain a bright, white smile, it is important that teeth whitening or touch-ups are redone periodically. Along with maintaining brightness, it is even more crucial to maintain healthy teeth by continuing to brush your teeth twice a day as well as floss daily.

Pro: Results from teeth whitening are fast.

With at-home whitening kits, application typically takes a short amount of time, and you can expect to start seeing results after only a few treatments. With professional teeth whitening, results are typically even faster and can be noticeable as early as a day after treatment.

Con: Teeth whitening will not change the color of your crowns and fillings.

Unfortunately, teeth whitening cannot brighten or change the shade of your existing dental work and may cause teeth to look patchy as your natural teeth change shades while your restorations remain the same color. Teeth whitening may also not be effective on all types of stains and discolorations; therefore, it is important to keep expectations of teeth whitening in check.

If you’re looking to brighten your smile and boost your confidence with a radiant grin, don’t hesitate to reach out to the us to further discuss the best teeth whitening options for you.

If you are interested in our recommended at-home whitening kit, we are currently offering the Opalescence Go Tooth Whitening Trays*, which are both affordable and convenient. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Class of 2023 orthodontic residents’ graduation fund. Happy whitening!

*These whitening kits are only available at our Henderson, NV location – Roseman Dental & Orthodontics.

Author: Dr. Joy Tawadrous

 

Dental 360 – Utah November Issue

Dental 360 – Utah November Issue

The holidays are just around the corner! In this November issue of Dental 360°, you’ll learn about how using nicotine in any form is bad for your oral health, find out how Roseman students are getting involved at the Gail Miller Resource Center and with the Junior League of Salt Lake City CARE Fair, and get the facts about why you shouldn’t put off getting dental pain checked out. Roseman Dental’s Urgent Care Clinic is open for dental emergency needs. Call (801) 878-1200 to make an appointment.

Roseman Dental’s Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, dental residents and students, and dental assistants and hygienists all focused on you and your family’s oral health. We offer comprehensive care, are a one-stop shop for all your dental needs and offer dental care at a cost up to 50% lower than what you would find at a traditional dental office. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2011 and we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family.

We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.

Dental 360° November Articles

Why Nicotine Is Bad for Oral Health
Roseman Dental Students’ Fall 2022 Community Service Event: The Gail Miller Resource Center
Junior League of Salt Lake City CARE Fair
Dental Pain Is Something You Shouldn’t Ignore

Why Nicotine Is Bad for Oral Health

Why Nicotine Is Bad for Oral Health

Using nicotine comes with so many health risks, from lung cancer to heart disease to harming others with secondhand smoke. According to the American Dental Association, smoking accounts for about 20% of deaths in the United States. It hurts the whole body, but it’s especially dangerous for oral health.

The mouth is the entry spot for nicotine, no matter what form it’s in. Consuming nicotine through smoking, using smokeless tobacco, or vaping restricts blood flow to the gums, which can cause or exacerbate periodontal disease. It can also lead to stained teeth, excessive plaque and tartar buildup, periodontitis (or losing the bone that anchors teeth to the jaw), receding gums, chronic bad breath, gum disease, and tooth loss. In fact, according to the CDC, about 43% of current smokers over the age of 65 have lost all of their teeth.

It doesn’t stop there. Someone who smokes is at ten times the risk of oral cancer than someone who doesn’t smoke. Because the carcinogens and toxins weaken the body’s immune system while warping cell growth, fighting off cancer is harder too.

Using e-cigarettes, or vaping, is sometimes considered safer than smoking cigarettes. That’s a myth. Vaping still brings nicotine into the mouth, body, and bloodstream. It leads to many of the same issues as smoking with an additional one: dry mouth, which can cause mouth ulcers, tooth decay, and bad breath.

Nicotine is an extremely addictive substance. Quitting, or helping someone quit, can be tough – but you don’t have to do it alone. Your dental care provider can be a great resource. If you’re in need of some support, make an appointment with Roseman Dental.

Learn more about oral pre-cancers from Dr. Kishore Chaudhry in Roseman’s College of Dental Medicine

Roseman Dental Students’ Fall 2022 Community Service Event: The Gail Miller Resource Center

Roseman Dental Students’ Fall 2022 Community Service Event: The Gail Miller Resource Center

In September 2022, a group of six D3 students (Joshua Finch, Emily Lear, Ben Raymond, Maggie Boyle, Jude Goodwin, and Joshua Halm) together with the help of the ASDA chapter of Roseman were able to make a considerable donation of dental supplies to a local homeless shelter, the Gail Miller Resource Center.

Utah’s homeless population has risen in recent years, particularly since the pandemic began and the cost of housing increased so drastically. Dozens of individuals who are experiencing homelessness and currently residing in this shelter received free dental hygiene kits from Roseman, which will last them through the end of the year. The Gail Miller Resource Center is a remarkable shelter in the South Salt Lake area which houses over 250 men and women, and provides them with three hot meals a day. The Center relies on donations from the community, predominantly the Catholic Community Services of Utah, for food donations. The Center also requires at least five community volunteers to serve each meal to those who reside there.

This D3 group from Roseman was able to make the hygiene kit donation, and volunteer several hours preparing and serving a hot meal to the residents of the Center. Overall it was an amazing experience for all who participated, and a great reminder that so often the most meaningful service opportunities can be performed in our very own communities.

Junior League of Salt Lake City CARE Fair

Junior League of Salt Lake City CARE Fair

The Junior League Community Assistance and Resource Event (CARE) Fair is an event organized and directed by the Junior League of Salt Lake City for families needing routine medical, dental, and vision services. This year’s CARE fair was held on Friday, July 29th, and Saturday, July 30th at the Horizonte Instruction and Learning Center in Salt Lake City.

On Saturday, July 30th, twenty-five dental students from the College of Dental Medicine (D2’s and D3’s) volunteered at the CARE fair from 8 am to 5 pm. Students provided dental exams, prophy, and fluoride for about 200 adults and children from lower socioeconomic groups. For each patient, students also determined if additional treatment may be needed. For those that needed additional treatment, Junior League provided vouchers in the amount of $150 or $500 at participating dental programs at the University of Utah, Fortis College, Utah Partners for Health, and Roseman University. For Saturday, Junior League provided vouchers totaling values over $17,000.

Overall, a total of 376 patients were seen in the dental clinic at the CARE fair this year, up from 296 in 2019, the last time the event was held.

Students

  • Junior League Project Group: Ashley Zhang, Nicole Hablitzel, Riley Savage, Fay Kotlyarenko, Tess Floyd, Shiva Naicker
  • Additional Student Volunteers: David Gallardo, Scott Caine, Daniel Brohard, Chloe Federe, Ben Raymond, Lavinya Yap, Basima Abdelsalam, Tejasvi Singh, Kavina Patel, Lynn Kabbani, Diana Zhen, William Kay, Maddy Tucker, Jeffrey Toschi, Jody Chiang, Nisha Mody, Brooklyn Hansen, Sue Hill, Bao Thao

Attending Faculty

  • Dr. Quayle
Dental 360 – Utah October Issue

Dental 360 – Utah October Issue

Temperatures are dropping, days are getting shorter, and Homecoming festivities are in full swing. In this October issue of Dental 360°, you’ll find out how to keep sugary treats under control on Halloween, learn about how your mouth’s health is connected to your nutrition, and get the facts about how to deal with tooth sensitivity.

Roseman Dental’s Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, dental residents and students, and dental assistants and hygienists all focused on you and your family’s oral health. We offer comprehensive care, are a one-stop shop for all your dental needs and offer dental care at a cost typically lower than what you would find at a traditional dental office. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2011 and we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family.

We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.

Dental 360° October Articles

5 Ways to Prevent Sugar Overload this Halloween
Nutrition Tips for a Healthy Mouth
Caring for Sensitive Teeth
Trick or Treat! Halloween, Candy, and Medication Safety