Overview
Teeth whitening works best for external stains and natural tooth enamel. It does not whiten crowns, veneers, or tooth-colored fillings. A dental check helps identify decay, cracks, gum recession, or sensitivity before whitening.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Whitening does not change the shade of fillings, crowns, or veneers.
- ✓Sensitivity is a common temporary side effect.
- ✓Unverified hacks can damage enamel or gums.
- ✓A cleaning may remove surface stain before whitening is needed.
What You Can Do At Home
- 1Avoid lemon, charcoal, baking soda abuse, and abrasive social-media remedies.
- 2Treat cavities or gum inflammation before whitening.
- 3Use whitening products exactly as directed.
- 4Stop whitening and ask a dentist if sharp sensitivity or gum burns occur.
When To Book A Dentist
- !You have sensitivity, gum recession, or visible cavities.
- !Front teeth have crowns, veneers, or fillings.
- !Staining is sudden, one-sided, or linked to trauma.
- !You want predictable whitening before an event.