If you have finally decided to have your teeth whitened professionally at your local cosmetic dentistry office, then you may want to know a little bit about what to expect. And, you should also know that there are a few things that you should do in an attempt to prepare for the whitening treatment. Keep reading to learn about these things.

Consider Sensitive Mouth Areas

One of the most important things that will happen before your whitening is the oral examination. This allows your dentist to locate potential problem areas that can cause sensitivities and discomfort both during and after your treatment. Your dentist will look for cavities, cracks in the teeth, and gum disease. So, you want to look at your mouth and inform your dentist about anything that you notice in the way of your oral care. For example, do you have a chipped tooth that has not been repaired by a dental professional or do you notice that your gums bleed a great deal when you brush and floss?

You also want to inform your dentist if your teeth are sensitive to temperature. This is an indication that you may have enamel that is thinner than normal. In this case, your dentist may suggest an at-home whitening treatment with a weaker carbamide peroxide whitening solution. Or, your initial treatment may be short with subsequent treatments scheduled in the following weeks. 

In addition to these things, your dentist will use a painted resin solution directly on the gums. This covers them to keep them protected from the whitening gel, and this is more effective than a dental dam to protect the tissues of the mouth.

Drink Plenty of Water Beforehand

Dental whitening treatments can be quite dehydrating for a few different reasons. The whitening gel that is placed on the enamel draws some fluid out of the teeth. This creates a fluid imbalance that will resolve itself within a day or two. Also, cheek retractors are used within the mouth that leave the gums open to the air. This allows for fluid evaporation and a dry mouth sensation.

To ensure that dehydration and drying sensations are not too uncomfortable, make sure to drink plenty of fluid before your whitening appointment. At least one full glass of water before the treatment is best. You also want to drink afterward. Think about drinking cool water without ice cubes since the enamel will be quite sensitive. Try to avoid any other fluid besides water for at least a few hours. Otherwise, the teeth may appear discolored quite quickly.  

For more information on whitening treatment, reach out to a company like Carolina Forest Family Dentistry.