Do I Need to Talk to My Dentist Before Whitening My Teeth?

We’ve all been there. We look in the mirror and realize that time, foods, or habits have taken away from the luster and bright whiteness of our teeth and we’re not smiling as much because of it.  When this happens, we often turn to smile whitening procedures. However, Dr. Shirley Cagle wants you to know that it’s important to visit your dentist in The Woodlands before moving forward with a whitening treatment.

Since some options for whitening your smile can lead to damage, and sometimes, even pain, it’s important to have an initial visit with your dentist before you jump into a smile whitening routine. By visiting us before choosing a teeth whitening regimen, we can discuss your desires, examine you to see if whitening is appropriate, and help you choose the best option for your smile. 

Sometimes people skip this step and head straight to their local drugstore to pick up the cheapest over-the-counter whitening product, but this can lead to some damaging consequences.

Many drugstore whitening products have trays that hold the whitening solution. These are inserted into the mouth, over the teeth. However, since these trays are not custom fitted for your unique mouth, it’s not unusual for the solution to leak onto your gums and sit there for an extended period of time. This can lead to gum irritation. Additionally, some over-the-counter whiteners can cause tooth sensitivity and are sometimes ineffective at giving you your desired results.

With a quick visit to our dental office in The Woodlands, we can work together to figure out how to successfully and safely get your pearly whites bright and vibrant again. If a whitening treatment isn’t for you, we can talk about alternatives like veneers or bonding. Either way, starting off with a visit to us is the best way to get you smiling again!

Why Are Regular Visits to Your Dentist in The Woodlands Important?

In addition to following a good home oral healthcare routine of flossing and brushing, maintaining biannual checkups at Dr. Shirley Cagle’s The Woodlands dental office is the best thing you can do for the health of your smile, and your body.

When you stop in for your six month appointment, we’ll check for any signs of gum disease, oral cancer, cavities, broken teeth, damaged fillings, and more. We’ll also conduct a thorough cleaning and polish and floss your teeth for a clean, fresh mouth.

While we obviously love to keep your teeth and gums healthy, visiting us at least every six months doesn’t only help your smile, it can also help protect your overall health

Oral health issues, like gum disease, can lead to whole-body problems such as cancer, strokes, heart disease, and other scary health problems. By maintaining regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist in The Woodlands, you can help catch any potential problems before they start or before they have a chance to affect the rest of your body.

Visiting Dr. Shirley Cagle at least twice a year is essential to your oral healthcare routine. If you’re at risk for certain dental issues, we’ll sometimes recommend that you see us more often to ensure that we’re being proactive with your health.

 If you’re due for a checkup and cleaning, give our dental office in The Woodlands a call to schedule an appointment today. We can’t wait to see you!