Why You Should Always Speak with Your Dentist Prior to Teeth Whitening

February 2, 2025

a patient speaking with their dentist about teeth whitening

Many people agree that when they meet someone new or greet an acquaintance, one of the very first things they tend to notice is the person’s teeth – meaning that your smile is perhaps your most important asset when it comes to making strong first impressions and navigating social situations! And of all the cosmetic services out there, few can give your teeth a brighter shine the way teeth whitening can. But before you embark on your whitening journey, you’ll want to book an appointment with your dentist first. Here’s why this will benefit your future treatment.  

Do I Really Need to See My Dentist Before Whitening My Teeth?

The short answer here is yes, you should absolutely consult with your dentist prior to undergoing any sort of cosmetic treatment, including teeth whitening. This is so your dentist has the opportunity to check your smile and ensure that it’s free of issues that might detract from your results or compromise their integrity, including things like gum disease, cavities, and so on. It makes no sense to perform a cosmetic treatment like whitening when there’s an underlying oral health issue present!

Your dentist also needs to consider things like your dental sensitivity, the presence of dental restorations, and other factors such as the extent and cause of your staining. They can ensure that absolutely no harm is caused to any part of your smile, and that if you’re prone to sensitivity, the treatment is very comfortable for you. This is another reason to pick your dentist over a DIY solution since you’re getting highly personalized results! With them overseeing things, they can ensure that your pearly whites don’t just end up looking better – they also end up healthier and problem-free.

How Can I Keep My Results Intact?

Once your dentist has ensured that your smile is healthy and they’ve performed your desired whitening treatment (or if you’ve gone the DIY route), it falls on you to keep your pearly whites looking their best. While it’s still crucial to maintain your routine dental visits and daily oral hygiene regimen, some other useful tips to keep in mind include:

  • Avoid smoking or using tobacco products; these are almost certain to darken your enamel and negate your whitening treatment.
  • Likewise, avoiding excessively consuming foods and drinks that are known to cause staining, like coffee, soda, red wines and sauces, etc. will keep your teeth looking bright and resilient.
  • If you’re whitening in anticipation of a special event like a wedding or graduation, let your dentist know so they can ensure your whitening results have fully manifested in time for your photo ops.

When your dentist examines your teeth before whitening them, they’re ensuring that your results are set up for success – but more importantly, you’re ensuring that your smile is set up for a healthier future. With this peace of mind, you’ll be able to make the most of your confidence-inspiring results!

About the Practice

Our team here at Robison Dental Group has proudly served patients and families in Canton for several years, offering a wide range of cosmetic services including both in-office and at-home teeth whitening solutions. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance! Telephone: (734) 453-6320.