Over time, it’s natural for teeth to darken, stain, and discolor for various reasons. Fortunately, it’s possible to make your smile brighter and whiter through cosmetic dentistry solutions, like teeth whitening. While there are plenty of options to choose from, which options are safe? The cosmetic dentists of Group Health Dental in Manhattan, have compiled this list of what to look for when choosing safe teeth whitening services.
1. Consult with a Dentist
Because there are endless reasons why your smile could lose its spark, it’s sensible to speak with a dental professional about your dental and gum health before starting any cosmetic dentistry treatment. A knowledgeable dentist can analyze your tooth color, explain why your teeth have yellowed or darkened, and recommend a tooth-whitening regimen tailored to the type of staining you’re experiencing.
2. Look for the ADA® Seal of Acceptance
The American Dental Association (ADA) is the world’s largest and oldest national dental association. The ADA aims to help dentists succeed and promotes advancements in public health. Backed by 90 years of product safety and efficacy, the ADA Seal of Acceptance is a green stamp that notifies consumers that a dental product is acceptable in the eyes of the American Dental Association.
To obtain the ADA Seal of Acceptance, a dental product must undergo rigorous testing and be verified safe by a council representing all fields relevant to evaluating dental products, including microbiology, toxicology, and pharmacology. Once all requirements are met, the product is awarded an ADA Seal for five years.
As you can imagine, the ADA Seal of Acceptance is hard to come by—but for good reason. As a result, Group Health Dental strongly recommends only using over-the-counter products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
3. Be Mindful of Do-It-Yourself Teeth Whitening Solutions
Because there is so much knowledge available at our fingertips, it might be tempting to try the vast home remedies that pop up in your search engine. While some DIY solutions use harsh chemicals, others may use natural ingredients (like strawberries, charcoal, or coconut oil).
Overall, home remedies could do more harm than good (if anything at all). Therefore, we strongly suggest avoiding homespun concoctions. Instead, consult a dentist about professional teeth whitening solutions or (at the very least) find an over-the-counter product with the ADA seal.
4. Speak Up About Sensitivity
After teeth whitening, a common side effect is gum and tooth sensitivity. Whether you’ve undergone over-the-counter or professional teeth whitening, speak to your dentist if your smile feels sensitive. Most dentists can initiate an anti-sensitivity regimen to get your teeth back on track.
Are you looking for teeth whitening in Manhattan?
At Group Health Dental, our Manhattan cosmetic dentists can let you know if you qualify for our Zoom® whitening treatment or suggest an alternative treatment to help you reach your goals. Patients can rely on the Group Health Dental team to deliver fast, effective, and professional results. Call 212-398-9690 or send us a brief message to safely whiten your teeth in Manhattan.
