Getting Rid of Gum Disease

If you are planning to have your teeth professionally whitened, you are probably looking forward to how much brighter your smile will be after a few treatments. However, you may not realize that having your teeth whitened also offers several potential benefits to your overall dental health.

Lifts Away Deep Bacteria-laden Stains

When a whitening treatment is applied to your teeth, it works when the carbamide or hydrogen peroxide penetrates the enamel. During this penetration, the stains are bleached and broken down, and then they are lifted away once the treatment is removed.

However, the stains are not the only things being treated while your teeth are being whitened. The peroxide also helps kill and lift away any hidden bacteria that may be found buried in the enamel of your teeth. Once the bacteria is lifted away with the stains, you have a decreased risk of developing cavities or an infection if you ever crack or chip a tooth.

Breaks Down Tartar and Plaque for Healthier Gums

Not only does the peroxide used in your whitening treatment help decrease the number of bacteria on your enamel, but it also helps the overall health of your gums. Along with the stains on your teeth, the peroxide also breaks down the tartar and plaque that forms along your gumline.

When tartar and plaque are allowed to accumulate, they provide an ideal environment in which bacteria can flourish. This increase bacteria population next to your gums can then start to attack the gum tissue, weakening it to the point that they start to bleed and become infected. Eventually, this constant bacterial attack leads to gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Increases Your Tendency to Perform Meticulous Oral Hygiene

Along with getting rid of germs that could lead to dental health problems, having your teeth whitened can also passively contribute to your overall dental health. Once you start noticing an improvement in the appearance of your smile, you will most likely want to keep it that way.

The desire to keep your smile bright and beautiful will motivate you to brush and floss your teeth more often. Over time, performing your oral hygiene routine more often will lead to healthier teeth and gums.

Once you have several teeth whitening treatments, you may start noticing that your teeth are becoming healthier as they become whiter. For more information about all of the benefits, as well as your options, speak with your dentist about the teeth whitening services they have to offer.