If your smile has been tarnished by dental stains for a long time, it’s only natural that you would be excited for a transformative treatment like teeth whitening. However, if you have an active case of cavities, there are good reasons to “push pause” on your plans. As the old saying goes, “patience is a virtue,” and you’ll soon see why that certainly applies to teeth whitening!
What Happens When You Get Cavities
To fully understand why teeth whitening with cavities is a bad idea, you’ll need to know what actually happens when you get one. Cavities form when oral bacteria build up is advanced enough to eat a hole through your teeth – almost literally. These bacteria produce a type of acid that’s particularly harmful to natural enamel, so this protective layer eventually erodes, leaving your dental pulp and nerves exposed.
Your Teeth are More Vulnerable
When cavities strike, the structural integrity of your teeth essentially becomes compromised. In other words, your smile is more vulnerable than it otherwise would be. While the bleaching agents in teeth whitening treatments are generally safe, they can permanently damage exposed dental nerves.
Teeth Whitening Will be Painful
Think of it this way: if you spill salt on perfectly healthy skin, it’s not a big deal. You might not even notice that it happened. But if you spill salt on an open wound, then you’re likely to feel some sharp pain!
Under normal circumstances, teeth whitening isn’t an uncomfortable treatment. A tooth with a cavity, however, basically has an open wound. As soon as the bleaching agents come into contact with the more sensitive layers of your dental anatomy, you’re not going to be as excited about your transformation.
The Road to Recovery
If your cosmetic dentist in Boston discovers a cavity during your pre-treatment exam, it’s worth exercising some patience and pumping the breaks on your dental glow-up. Your dentist can use tooth-colored materials to fill the cavity, which will provide protection for your precious pearly white as well as a seamless restoration. When your smile is healthy again, you’ll be able to enjoy your teeth whitening treatment without worries!
About the Practice
Our cosmetic dentists at Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group use the latest dental technology and research to ensure our patients receive the best care possible. They’re also well-known for their artistry, and use their attention to detail to provide stunning dental cosmetic treatments and create beautiful restorations. If you’re interested in whitening stained teeth in Boston, schedule a consultation with our office. We’ll make sure your smile is healthy and bright! To get in touch, call 617-523-5451 or request an appointment online.