My kitty swallowed my free teeth whitening gel. Will she get sick?

I received a box of free teeth whitening pens at a mall kiosk. I was only able to use 3 of the pens. 2 weeks ago I got a new kitten that is really active. When I’m away at work, I keep her in the laundry room so she doesn’t get into anything harmful. Today when I came home, the cat was out of the laundry room. She had one of my teeth whitening pens between her paws. Only 2 pens were left in the box. Her whiskers looked sticky, so I’m sure she liked it. I threw the pen away, but I’m wondering if there is anything in the gel that might make her sick. Thanks. Jen

Jen,

We hope your kitty will be okay. We have some tips for her and for you and anyone who is considering getting their teeth whitened.

Is Swallowing Teeth Whitening Gel Harmful?

Below are four things to keep in mind if you or your pet swallows bleaching gel.

Humans

  • Teeth whitening gel is not for internal use, and it should be kept away from children.
  • If it’s swallowed in large amounts, it can cause stomach pain, inflammation, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Anyone who swallows large amounts should call a doctor or go to an urgent care facility.
  • Take the product with you to the visit for the staff to see the ingredients and provide the right treatment.

Pets

  • But we don’t know what effect, if any, it will have on your pet. It will likely depend on how much of the gel your pet swallowed.
  • Give your veterinarian a call.
  • If you don’t have a vet, you can take your pet to the vet office at a local pet store.
  • Take the teeth-whitening pens box with you so they can see the ingredients in the gel. The vet will take care of your pet and let you know what you can expect over the next few days.

Caution for DIY Teeth Bleaching

We advise all of our writers to be careful with do-it-yourself or free teeth-whitening gel. Be certain that your teeth and gums are disease and cavity free. The gel can irritate your teeth and gums if they are not healthy.

Your dentist should be able to you if bleaching your teeth is safe, or if another method should be used to whiten them. In some cases, bleaching gel can make the stains on your teeth look worse.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.

Afraid of being sedated by a new dentist but I need 2 crowns

I know that sedation dentistry is probably the best thing for me, but my current dentist doesn’t offer it. I just can’t relax in her office. It’s not her. It’s me.

I have to switch dentists because she doesn’t offer sedation. I need 2 new crowns and I’ve put it off for too long. Now there is a problem of letting a complete stranger sedate me. It’s part of my fear and I know that I am going to have to get over it. There has to be a first time.

What can I do to get over the fear of having a new dentist sedate me? I don’t want to go into the office and make a fool of myself because of my fear. Thank. L.E.

L.E.

Sedation dentists are used to seeing fearful patients, so don’t worry how your anxiety will be perceived by the dentist or their staff. Your anxiety is common among millions of Americans.

How to Choose a Sedation Dentist

  • Before you choose a new sedation dentist, have consultations with a few dentists who have been recommended by friends or family members, or with whom you think you may be comfortable.
  • Speak with each dentist about your fears. Find out what he or she does to help anxious patients relax and what levels of sedation are offered.
  • Meet the staff, take an office tour, and become familiar with the office.
  • After you have chosen a dentist, if you are still very uncomfortable, continue to ask questions and talk about your concerns until you feel comfortable. Don’t proceed with getting dental crowns before you are comfortable.

Receiving sedation will be easier if the dentist is no longer a stranger to you and you know what will be done to help you relax and have a pain-free experience.

This post is sponsored by Plano female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.

Need affordable dentist to get marijuana stains off my bonding and teeth

I’m looking for an affordable dentist who can help me keep my teeth in shape. I smoke medicinal marijuana and I’m guessing that it’s going to be this way for the foreseeable future. In the past I’ve been proud of my smile and white teeth, but the marijuana is staining them pretty bad. Is it possible to find a dentist who is willing to work with me and keep my teeth in good shape? There is dental bonding on 3 of my front teeth and it’s already getting yellow. Who knows how often I’m going to need it touched up, but I don’t want maintaining it to be too expensive. Thanks for your advice. – Roxana

Roxana  – Yes, you can find an affordable dentist who will help you keep teeth stains under control and help you maintain good oral health. As you search for the right dentist, keep in mind that affordability doesn’t always mean you’ll get quality results. So make quality the priority, and avoid insisting on the lowest fees.

In addition to marijuana, coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco smoke will discolor your dental bonding and your natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist will work with you preserve your bonding. Usually bonding lasts three to eight years.

It’s important that you find and retain a dentist and hygienist who know how to care for cosmetic bonding without damaging it by using the wrong dental cleaning and polishing tools.

Help Your Affordable Dentist Preserve Your Bonding

There are some things you can do to preserve your dental bonding so it won’t need to be replaced so frequently.

  • Regularly floss between your teeth.
  • Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
  • Regularly visit your dentist for cleanings.
  • Rinse your mouth thoroughly after you smoke.
  • Limit coffee, tea, and red wine.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Don’t bite hard objects with your teeth, and avoid using them to open packages.

Make it a priority to find a cosmetic dentist who has an artistic eye and understands how to use different shades of composite to restore your teeth and get natural results. Speak with the affordable dentist about how you can maintain a healthy smile and stay within your budget.

This post is sponsored by Plano, TX dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy.