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teeth whitening can cause dental damage

Posted By: kyrie on 2008-09-16
In Reply to: Teeth whitening question - ma

NM


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Teeth whitening question

My daughter got her braces off and now wants to have her teeth whitened. 


I would have the orthodontist do it but they charge about $400.00.  Yikes!


Anyone use over-the-counter whiteners?  If so, which ones give better results?


Thanks


 


Any advice and/or experience with teeth whitening?
NM
I work in a dental office. Why did'nt Dental Dental
cover your crowns. If they were supposed to be in bad shape, I think they would have covered part of it. I do not think your teeth could get in that kind of shape, if they are checking and x-raying them all the time. I would not have faith in them either.
Anyone work in a dental office? Dental rant. SM

I have been going to the same dental office (father and daughter dentists),  for over ten years.   It is a private office, not a clinic.  I have Delta Dental PPO. 


There has never been a problem.  I get my teeth cleaned every three months.  I get x-rays taken twice a year and the dentist checks my teeth after each cleaning. Sounds good, right?


So at my last cleaning in January, I was told my teeth were in terrible shape and I needed five crowns placed.  I then was subjected to a very hard sales pitch for these crowns, accompanied by gory videos of rotten teeth, with statements like "these could be YOUR teeth".   They also went on to say that insurance will not cover this and I will have to pay out of pocket.  The conservative price was $5000.


Well, I decided to have three crowns done. I paid $1000, (my tax refund), insurance did pay $1000 and I just paid another $600 out of pocket.


I have lost complete faith in this office.  Why would I go there every three months, only to be told I need work that someone would need if they hadn't seen a dentist in 10 or more years?


Was I taken? I have no faith in them at all now.     


 


Expensive dental care/no dental insurance. nm
xx
which could damage your credit
x
You do realize that with Katrina damage

At least in Mississippi and Lousiana part....they may have rebuilt some hotels but the surrounding locality looks like a war zone; most of the boat docks and walking/fishing piers were completely destroyed and probably haven't been rebuilt, and many of the cute local beach restaurants are gone.  It might be educational re Katrina damage if that's what you're after...but it's not what I'd call a happy place to vacation at this time.


I've probably done damage to my ears

had front row seats to Jimi Hendrix!  Loved concerts.  My kids still laugh at me.  Now with my Ipod I am even liking cleaning the house!


Have you used a tooth whitening system?
Like Crest Whitestrips or something else? Anything other than having the dentist do it? (That's so expensive!)
Yes - Rembrandt Whitening System. sm
It works beautifully. I am a smoker, unfortunately, and my teeth are actually white, no stains, and you could never tell I smoke. At least, that's what many people have said.

It is a gel system with a mouth piece. I love it. Cheaper than Zoom in the dentist office.
dental work

My husband now carries our insurance since I came home to work.  I just found out that I don't have any type of dental plan, and I really need some dental work done.  I have 3 kids and only work part time, so I obviously can't afford to pay out of pocket.  Please help!!!


 


 


Used to be a dental assistant

and we would advise patient's of the same thing. Use a topical anesthetic to give you some relief and numb the area. As for the heat or cold it all depends on what is causing the toothache to begin with. If you have an abscessed tooth patient's have said heat to the area usually works best but if it's because you have an infected tooth in need of a root canal your tooth may have increased sensitivity to the heat or cold. Have you tried calling your dentist to see if maybe he can prescribe you something for the pain until he can get you in?


Dental Implants

I don't know much about these and really don't know how I feel about them. Has anyone had any dental implants?

Dental cleaning

What is the average cost these days for teeth cleaning (without insurance)?  I suppose they include x-rays as well.  I know the cost can vary but am trying to get an idea of the cost without insurance.  My son and I have dental insurance but my husband does not so he needs an estimate.  I think the dental office my son goes to is a bit pricey; however, with the dental insurance I have not bothered to comparison shop the prices.


Thanks.


Need pediatric dental help ASAP please!!
My 7-year-olds silver cap just came off one of his teeth (all in one piece).  Do I just wait until Monday to call the dentist.  What do I do???  (his tooth underneath it looks awful)!!
It was the dental hygienist in my case, SM
She was a dark haired beauty and so sweet. I met a man and turned him onto my dentist. He had teeth cleaned often due to retracting gums. In my cleaning sessions, she talked on about her life and the misfortunes. I talked with my now husband about it one night and he was able to give me further information about a broken relationship, financial hardship, her kids and her x husband. The next day, I called the office and told the office manager that she had crossed the line. I then changed dentists, for both of us.

Don't understimate what women will do when they see a good man. Cut it at the bud.

And 500 is way too much - for one thing, I'd be feeling indebted to a person who gave me that much. And you do not want that.

Change hair stylists and become a bit distant so your husband doesn't worry about her as she sounds like she is going to have problems which require help over and over again.
It was the dental hygienist in my case, SM
She was a dark haired beauty and so sweet. I met a man and turned him onto my dentist. He had teeth cleaned often due to retracting gums. In my cleaning sessions, she talked on about her life and the misfortunes. I talked with my now husband about it one night and he was able to give me further information about a broken relationship, financial hardship, her kids and her x husband. The next day, I called the office and told the office manager that she had crossed the line. I then changed dentists, for both of us.

Don't understimate what women will do when they see a good man. Cut it at the bud.

And 500 is way too much - for one thing, I'd be feeling indebted to a person who gave me that much. And you do not want that.

Change hair stylists and become a bit distant so your husband doesn't worry about her as she sounds like she is going to have problems which require help over and over again.
I worked in a dental office for years
and if you're going there religiously every three months and they never before said anything about your teeth being in disrepair, then something is NOT right there.  I would run screaming and get another opinion.  I worked for a very unscrupulous man (oh, don't get me started!), and I know the tricks people like that use.  He had to make his Mercedes payment, and the Range Rover payment for his 16-year-old, among his other payments, and would pull all kinds of things on his patients.  They're not all trustworthy out there, and your story sounds highly suspicious, because if your teeth are being taken care of and watched every three months, trouble should be spotted long before it turns into the need for a crown.  Please see someone else.  Don't tell them what your dentist said, and see if they say the same thing.  Just go in for a cleaning and x-rays and see if the new dentist mentions the need for all those crowns.  And if you do actually need them, then your dentist is one of those who knows about a cavity and lets it go to where you need a crown.  Either way, I would NOT go back...
Free medical and dental, someone to cook, do
x
Did anyone ever have a dental implant for a front tooth and wish to say what
they thought about the whole process with wearing a flipper, etc. until the implant.
dental procedure: root planing
dentist says i need this because of moderate periodontal disease.  $200 a quadrant x4 = $800 for what sounds like a horrible, bloody procedure.  they say they only do two quadrants at a time.  does anyone know anything about this, had it done?  please let me know what to expect.... thanxabuncha
Archaic, stone age dental tools

pantyhose, blue eyeshadow, any kind of sweater or sweatshirt with a holiday theme.


Ok..I found part of the article from Tricare Dental
The most profound sentence for us was, "only one-half the number of persons diagnosed with oral cancer are alive five years after the diagnosis." The article can be found at http://www.tricaredentalprogram.com/tdptws/dentalhealth/your_tdp/00009.jsp.

Also, you only have to be 18 to buy tobacco products. So, your son is old enough to buy this stuff. Anyway, hope this helps, but as I'm sure you know, 18 y/o boys think they're invincible and really don't like to listen to their parents. Hopefully he'll at least read all the information and make the best decision and quit before it can do any harm. Good luck!
Nutri-Dent edible dental chews..sm
I have two miniature schnauzers.  I give them a Nutri-Dent dental chew 2-3 times a week.  My vet commented that whatever I was using on their teeth was great, keep it up.  It's worth a try for you.  Wal-Mart carries them once in a blue moon, but usually not the size I need.  I order mine from PetCareRX.com. 
I just took a college tour with my daughter and they mentioned a dental clinic sm
with students that are studying to be dentists. I think universities with dental schools have dental clinics that are open to the public. I'm not sure what they charge, but it might be something to look into.
His *last* two teeth?
Meaning that was all he had left? I just can't believe what I'm reading here. lol
dog teeth
Like the posters below, I've never had my dogs' teeth brushed or cleaned. They eat dry dog foot and lots of generic milk bones and real bones (beef soup bones).

They are both over 11 and when I took them to a new vet recently, she didn't believe me when I told her their ages because their teeth were in such good shape. I should be so lucky with my own teeth LOL!
Dog's teeth
My chow/mix lived to be 16 1/2, had only one tooth pulled, no broken teeth, had her teeth cleaned once or twice in her lifetime and I never brushed her teeth.  Vets were all amazed at her age and her state of health.  The week before she passed away, at her check-up the vet said that her teeth were in good condition and some of the best he had ever seen for a dog over the age of 10 much less her age.   I fed her a good dry dog food, walked her a lot, loved her more and never gave her any kinds of meat bones to chew on.   She did have rawhide, pigs ears and those stinky calf hoofs.   I am not saying it is a bad idea to brush them but if it is a fight, why go through it.  For so many years we did not do it for our pets and they lived long years.   Feed him/her a good dry crunchy food and like suggested above get them some of the dental bones above.  Keep them away from the steak/pork or chicken bones though.  Have worked for a vet and too many surgeries for bone splinters in the stomach/bowel lining perforating it.   Good luck
Don't do it if you are meticulous about your teeth.
I went to a dental clinic like that years ago. I had to replace the cap work shortly after and they did some other procedures not so well, a root canal that didn't take or was incomplete, etc. The next dentist I saw said it was some of the worst work he had ever seen and he was surprised with the quality of the materials (very cheap) they were using. So it only wound up costing me more in the long run. Just thought I'd mention.
I never brush my dog's teeth
I have an 8-year-old German Shepherd, and I have never brushed her teeth, and I have had her since she was a little puppy. She was at the vets a few weeks ago for an update on her shots and an exam, and the vet said that her teeth were perfectly fine and that there was really no need to brush them. I give her tennis balls to chew on because she does not like bones, but that is about it. The vet said that the tennis balls should do a good enough job cleaning them.
sensitive teeth
Is there a baking soda toothpaste out there that might work? Is baking soda mild on your teeth?


My dad's false teeth!
OK, I admit it's weird. My dad had false teeth made for him courtesy of the Veteran's Administration. (Had all of his teeth pulled courtesy of the Army in WWII.) But dad would never wear his teeth. He hated them, and being toothless never seemed to slow him down. It was a real sight to see him eat corn on the cob, but he did it! His government issue teeth were always in our medicine cabinet in the bathroom, and he changed the water everyday and dropped in a fresh Efferdent tab. I only remember him wearing his teeth two days, for my h.s. graduation and on my 21st birthday.
My dad was a quirky guy, but he was tremendously generous and a wonderful father. He died shortly after my 21st birthday. I have a sentimental attachment to his false teeth, and I should probably see a psychiatrist about that, but for now, I keep his false teeth in their container in my medicine cabinet, and they've been there for 24 years. (OK. Go ahead and collectively say, "Ewwwwwww.")
well, i dont have any teeth there. sorry to say.
i have all fake bridges and partials on the top of my mouth.  i only have 1 jaw tooth left on the top that is my tooth, and its fine.  i have had this knot for probably 6 or 8 years.  but its usually about pea-sized.  everytime i am diagnosed with a sinus infection it flares, but never this bad.
Whatever you do, DON'T get them in right after the teeth are pulled

Wait at least a year to get fitted. I was a receptionist and had to either quit my job or get my dentures immediately. Mine fit great at first and was told never to take them out (I didn't) ...then one day when answering the phone at work, my bottoms fell out. Thank heavens no one was in the waiting room. How embarrassing!


I don't think I was fitted correctly as they hurt like heck where the bottom jaw met the top of the mouth. I cannot wear the tops now either. They are too loose. I had them religned after a year but it didn't help. Always had trouble eating and drinking anything. Gagged and choked all the time.


I can't eat in restaurants because I at least wear my tops when going somewhere so I don't scare anyone, but can't eat with them. 


As for your question, it cost me $700, 12 years ago and another $300 to get then relined. What a waste of $$


Think I'll change my name to Gums.


Anybody use teeth whiteners ? ...sm

If so which do you prefer the toothpaste or the whitening strips?.  I would like to try one of these products but unsure if one is better than the other. 


Thanks


Bath and teeth

Maybe it's the toothpaste.  Some of it tastes yucky to a kid or the mint may be too strong or brushing could be irritating his gums.  Let him pick a child's toothpaste and soft toothbrush and see if that helps.  As for baths,  I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to the tub.  What mom didn't know was that my older sister kept sneaking in and pulling the plug, telling me I was going to go down the drain. She said if I told mom she would call the adoption agency and tell them to take me back (I wasn't adopted, but at age 4 I didn't know that).  Maybe he saw something on TV that scared him.   Some shows are pretty graphic (news too). I recall one show where a lady was brushing her teeth and blood started pouring from the faucet. Try letting him sit in a dry tub with a bucket of water for a sponge bath.  Sit down and talk with the kid (not talk to) and assure him/her that if there is something going on you can help.   


 


Teeth sensitivity
My sister used something recommended by her dentist, so I assume it was not damaging. However, this was last winter and it made her teeth so sensitive to cold she had to be sure to keep her mouth closed as she couldn't bear the cold air on her teeth! Just something to be aware of.

Also about the teeth being sore...
Our orthodontists both told us that if OTC meds do not help your pain, they are too tight and you should call for a 2nd adjustment. Your teeth should not be so sore that you can't eat a regular diet. Who knows, yours might have a different policy or idea, but don't suffer through the pain without asking. I did and they finally told me that I shouldn't be and they don't know that unless the patient tells them.
Yes about the wisdom teeth
If I didn't have them cut out they would have messed up all the work the braces did.
Your lower teeth
in the front ... have your gums eroded in back of the teeth as well? Mine look fairly normal in front of the teeth, but behind them (especially bottom front teeth), I can see the gums are quite receded. I have one of those little dental mirrors. I am wondering why they would be worse in the back, as I think I brush the same way there.
Taken better care of my teeth nm
nm
Horrible Teeth
What are your opinions?  If you had terrible teeth, that kind that decay from the inside out, you've had 14 root canals, several of which broke off after they were crowned (to the tune of about $1200 per tooth), you have three more teeth that need to be extracted, 2 more that need root canals and extensive bridge work must then be completed, your mouth hurts all the time, there is an abscess forming over one of the old root canals that broke, you have a heart valve condition which means you must always premedicate before dental work and an infection could cause pericarditis .... would you have the above work done or just say, to hell with it, I'm getting dentures.  BTW, I'm 51 and this all started when I was 5.
Have you tried Crest for sensitive teeth?
I used it and it tastes just like regular toothpaste. May want to give it a try.
I think the boy's teeth look terrific, not fake
at all.  I know that when my son first got his braces off it was very, very strange.  I called him Willie Wonka for a few days.  They were just sooo perfect it was kinda freaky, but the strangeness wore off after a few days.  Does your son like how they turned out? 
I have had years of teeth issues
so I can imagine how you are dealing with such bad issues. I had gum surgery once, never do that again, horrible pain for months, but good thing dropped weight like you would not believe, could not eat anything. I would look at dentures in your case because of the fact you have so much going wrong and you and I know it can affect not only your mouth but other organs in the body.
About painting the enamel on the back teeth, SM

these are called sealants and are VERY well worth the money.  My kids both had them done and are ages 20 and 25 and neither have ever had a cavity in their back teeth.  They also both get Easter baskets until they get married, but that's entirely our choice just because it's fun to do for them!


You only wear them for 1 year unless your teeth are in really bad shape. nm
m
Weird too.. I have denture sample teeth.
My son's friend found a cute little box with about 8 drawers and they were stuck closed in his damp basement of his new-old house and he gave it to me, since I always like old collectibles, etc. Did not know what was inside so we dried out the box and got the drawers open and it is full of what appears to be samples for dentures or crowns.. I guess the man who previously owned the house was a dentist.. I was going to see about selling them on e-bay but never got around to it so they just sit in a closet. I did find a tooth with a gold filling in it though and that one is safely put away in my jewerly box along with the other gold stuff I never wear.. who knows with MT I may need to cash it in for some $$$ someday.
"go brush your teeth" -- kid don't listen

You know, truthfully, I have a nearly perfect 7-year-old kid.  He's well-behaved, patient, kind and honest.  Why is it, then, that we have to have this big fight EVERY night and EVERY morning regarding "go brush your teeth."  I have to tell him this six to seven times before I am heard.  Then I'm grumpy about it, nagging how they'll rot, turn black and fall out.  My only thought is to try ignoring him when he requests something, making him ask me six to seven times.  That might work.  Gotta love him, but this really irks me.... Anyone else with a similar dilemma?


Tell you dentist to put 'veneers' over your teeth, if you can afford it nm
nm
Any suggestions on a MILD toothpaste for sensitive teeth?

Seems like every toothpaste on the shelf any more has MAXIMUM strength this, that, and the other thing. Well, some of that stuff irritates the heck out of my mouth and gums.


I'm currently using Sensodyne but it a) tastes nasty and b) irritates my mouth.


Any suggestions? TIA.