Don't Let Hand Pain Keep You from Flossing
About Me
Don't Let Hand Pain Keep You from Flossing

I am proud to say that I have all my own teeth at the age of 65. While that may not sound unusual to some people, everyone in my family who is my age or older wears dentures. I always tell people that that flossing is the key to good dental health. I have arthritis in my hands, but I don't let it keep me from flossing every day. My trick is to use those little "flossers" you can buy at the drug store. They have plastic handles floss stretched out on top of the handle. These make flossing easier on days when my arthritis is acting up. I started this blog to let other people know that they can keep their teeth healthy into old age when they take care of them. If you have hand pain, find ways to make flossing easier, like I did.

Don't Let Hand Pain Keep You from Flossing

What To Expect From A Dental Office Teeth Whitening Procedure

Francis Miles

In-office teeth whitening procedures, also known as professional teeth whitening or chairside bleaching, are performed by dental professionals to enhance the brightness and whiteness of teeth. While there can be variations in techniques and products used, the general process typically involves the below steps.

In-office whitening procedure steps

  1. Examination and preparation — Before the whitening procedure, a dental professional will examine your teeth and oral health to ensure you're a suitable candidate for the treatment. They may also clean your teeth to remove any plaque, tartar, or surface stains.
  2. Isolation and protection — To protect your gums and soft tissues from the whitening agent, a dental dam or a protective gel is applied to cover your gums and prevent contact with the bleaching agent. This helps minimize potential irritation or sensitivity.
  3. Application of whitening agent — A whitening gel or solution, usually containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, is applied to the surfaces of your teeth. The concentration of the whitening agent used in professional treatments is generally higher than over-the-counter whitening products, allowing for more effective and quicker results.
  4. Activation — In some cases, the whitening agent may be activated using a specialized light, heat, or laser. The purpose of activation is to accelerate the bleaching process by enhancing the penetration of the whitening agent into the tooth structure.
  5. Monitoring and reapplication — The whitening gel is typically left on your teeth for a specific period, which can vary depending on the product and technique used. During this time, the dental professional will monitor the progress and adjust the treatment as needed. In some cases, the gel may be reapplied multiple times during the same session to achieve the desired results.
  6. Rinse and evaluation — Once the whitening process is complete, the dental professional will thoroughly rinse the whitening agent from your teeth. They will then evaluate the results to assess the level of whitening achieved and compare it to the desired outcome.

In-office teeth whitening procedures are typically completed in a single visit, and the entire process usually takes only a short amount of time, depending on the specific technique and the extent of staining or discoloration. The results of professional teeth whitening can be immediate and significant, with teeth often appearing several shades lighter.

Teeth whitening treatments may cause temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation in some individuals. Your dentist will provide post-treatment instructions and may recommend specific products or techniques to alleviate any discomfort and maintain the results.

Contact a clinic like Westnedge Family Dentistry to learn more.


Share