Rowley Family Dentistry Blog

It’s safe to say that most people want their teeth to look as clean and white as possible. Unfortunately, however, even despite excellent oral hygiene practices and routine visits to the dentist, sometimes they can still look a little lackluster. Thankfully, cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening were created to combat this. But how much is too much? Is there a such thing as over-whitening your smile? Here’s why using these products too frequently could be dangerous for your teeth!

Professional Whitening vs. Over the Counter

When it comes to whitening your smile, not all methods are created equally. While typically more affordable, over-the-counter whitening treatments are usually not as effective as professional treatments from your dentist. Worse still, because they yield sub-par results, storebought kits may need to be used much longer, thereby exposing your teeth to an excess amount of chemicals. This can not only create extended sensitivity, but it can also be dangerous and may not be ADA compliant.

With professional whitening, your dentist can easily control the amount of chemicals your teeth are exposed to, ensuring that you never receive more than you need. This will help give you the results you want with none of the risk of overexposure to powerful active ingredients. Furthermore, because you’ll need a consultation before your treatment can commence, you can rest assured that your smile is healthy and safe before treatment begins, as whitening a smile with untreated decay or cavities could cause permanent damage.

How Much is Too Much?

Because each patient is different, it’s hard to say how much exposure to whitening is “too much.” However, manufacturers recommend that you only use most over-the-counter products once every three to six months, which is usually nowhere near enough time to get noticeable results. With professional whitening, it is only recommended that you treat your teeth once a year, but typically in-office whitening can remove up to eight shades of discoloration in about an hour, with take-home kits providing the same results in about two weeks.  

Remember, while it the pursuit of a whiter smile may seem perfectly safe, its important to be aware of the risks of whitening too frequently. Thus, if you have stubborn stains or discoloration, don’t waste time and money on over-the-counter products that most likely won’t deliver the results you need. Start at the top and speak to your dentist today about the benefits of professional whitening and you could have a healthy, stain-free smile in about an hour!

About Dr. Rowley

Dr. Nicholas Rowley graduated cum laude at Florida State University and earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in 2010. Since then, he has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education, and he is a proud, active member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Central Florida District Dental Association, and the Brevard County Dental Society. To schedule a consultation for teeth whitening at Rowley Family Dentistry, visit our website or call us today at 321-723-1772.

Have you noticed your smile looking a little less bright than it used to? Yellow teeth are a common concern for many people, and while they may seem like a cosmetic issue, the underlying causes can vary. Not all discoloration is the same, and understanding why it happens is the first step toward finding the right solution.

For some patients, the idea of visiting the dentist triggers more than just mild nerves—it can bring on intense anxiety or even fear. Oral conscious sedation offers a way to make dental visits more comfortable, allowing patients to receive the care they need without overwhelming stress. However, this method of sedation isn’t right for everyone. Understanding who makes a good candidate can help you determine if it might be the right choice for you.

It may be shocking to discover that you’ve lost your dental crown. What was once covering (and protecting) your weakened tooth has now fallen off, leaving the affected area exposed and vulnerable. What should you do? Instead of descending into panic, consider following these steps to manage the situation until you can get in to see your dentist for help.

You’ve likely already heard that when it comes to your smile, eating a diet that’s low in sugar helps lower your risk of developing problems like cavities. But what about if you’re more of a fan of savory snacks? Is a high sodium diet any better for your teeth and gums than a sweet one? Here’s what you need to know about salt and your oral health!

Dental implant surgery is a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering long-term benefits for oral health and quality of life. But you may be wondering since you’re having surgery when you can return to work. The answer depends on several factors, including the complexity of the surgery, your body’s healing response, and the nature of your job. Here’s what you need to know about returning to work after dental implant surgery.

Tooth loss can be more than just a cosmetic issue – it has long-term effects on oral health, including bone loss in the jaw. Many people turn to dentures to restore their smile and improve function. But an important question remains: Can dentures prevent bone loss? In short, no, traditional dentures cannot prevent bone loss, but there are alternatives that can help.

If you care about protecting your smile from cavities, chances are that you’re already in the habit of brushing at least twice a day. But while this is certainly an important practice for maintaining your oral health, you do need to be careful; brushing too hard could end up having more serious consequences than you realize. Your preventive dentist is here with a closer look at what overly aggressive brushing can lead to as well as the proper way to clean your smile.

You probably already know that brushing your teeth twice daily removes plaque and bacteria from your enamel to prevent common problems like cavities or injuries. However, if you’re not also flossing, germs can penetrate your connective tissues and cause an infection that may start small but progressively worsens. Eventually, it can spread to your teeth and jawbone, or enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body.

If you’ve resolved to floss more in the new year but are worried about sticking to your goal, continue reading for 3 hints that can help you stick with it!

Now that the holidays are coming up, there is so much to look forward to. One of the most notable parts of the season is all the delicious foods you will enjoy. However, it’s important to be mindful of your dental health so you don’t need to spend the new year in the treatment chair. Fortunately, not all holiday dishes are harmful. Here are some delicious treats that your dentist approves of.