Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Like anything taken to extremes, too much teeth whitening can have some undesirable consequences. Tooth-whitening products often contain bleach and so some of the side effects of too much bleaching can include irritation of the gums and the inside of the mouth. If you’re using a tray-based tooth whitening product, you can ask Dr. Folck to fit you for a customized bleaching tray so that the whitening product does not contact your gums and the inside of your cheeks.


If you’ve been whitening your teeth too much, you also may be increasing the sensitivity of your teeth, particularly if you are using glycerin-containing or more concentrated peroxide products. Some tooth whitening products may even be too acidic and can erode tooth enamel. Other signs that you’ve gone too far include the appearance of teeth that are translucent and unevenly whitened.


You should also bear in mind that teeth whitening is not for everyone. Your gums and mouth should be healthy before a whitening procedure. A dental exam is a good idea, since your dentist can advise you about the best quality teeth whitening products and advise you about how often you should use an over-the-counter teeth whitening product. You might also consider having your teeth whitened professionally by your dentist since he or she will be most experienced in efficiently and safely whitening your teeth and in using a procedure that’s best for you as an individual. Dr. Folck can also counsel you about good dental hygiene practices to prevent your teeth from being discolored in the first place.


If you want a whiter and brighter smile, please contact Dr. Folck or visit our Virginia Beach office to discuss which tooth whitening procedure is best for you.

If you suffer from anxiety before and during visits to the dentist, sedation dentistry may be right for you. It’s a safe and effective technique that relaxes you but doesn’t put you completely under the way sleep dentistry does. Sedation dentistry relies on the use of a “twilight anesthetic” along with regular painkilling techniques, which allows you to remain in a relaxed, dreamlike, but conscious state throughout a dental procedure. This will minimize any anxiety or pain you might feel.

Because sedation dentistry doesn’t put you fully to sleep or rely on a full general anesthetic, the procedure is safer than sleep dentistry and is associated with a shorter recovery time. You will feel groggy after sedation dentistry, so we recommend that you arrange for transportation after a procedure. But importantly, you won’t feel the anxiety or pain that may have kept you from seeking dental work in the past.

Sedation dentistry is safe and is associated with few risks. Our office will perform a medical evaluation before any sedation dentistry procedure to make sure that sedation dentistry is appropriate for you.

Please visit our Virginia Beach office and ask us about our sedation dentistry options during your personal consultation. Dr. Folck will explain how sedation dentistry works, and will help you decide whether this solution is right for you.