A popular cosmetic procedure, teeth whitening can go a long way in helping people get whiter and better smiles. It makes the teeth look healthier and pristine and even boosts people's confidence, making them smile and laugh more and enjoy the big and little things in life. But as with all things, you need to know about all the aspects of teeth whitening and be aware of the risks before getting your teeth whitened as teeth whitening involves the use of strong chemicals.
Some dangers of teeth whitening include -
- Irritation and discomfort in the gums, tongue and other oral muscles due to the chemicals used for whitening teeth. The chemicals may also lead the teeth to become even more sensitive to changes in temperature and thereby causing pain.
- The chemicals causing stomach ache, nausea and other digestive problems if swallowed. If teeth whitening chemicals are swallowed by pregnant women, it may cause issues with the teeth of the unborn child.
- Some dental whitening procedures may also lead to blistering and burning of the lips and can even cause tooth damage and tooth decay if used incorrectly.
The chemical which is majorly used for tooth whitening is hydrogen peroxide. Other peroxides such as carbamide peroxides may also be used. Peroxides, in general are strong chemicals and if used without care and in improper quantities may lead to oral ailments. These oral ailments include burns, sores and even ulcers in the soft tissues of the mouth. Generally the most common side effect of teeth whitening, the amount of discomfort and pain is dependent on your tissues’ sensitivity as well as the concentration and potency of the chemicals used. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products can also lead to major damage if used incorrectly, as is often the case. While the sores do heal over a period of few days, some may take even weeks to recover. The best course of action to avoid these sores and burns is to make sure the products being used are FDA or ADA certified.
Tooth sensitivity is also a big issue which occurs due to teeth whitening. The tooth becomes sensitive to temperature changes due to the tooth enamel getting worn out due to the chemical used for teeth whitening. Although this sensitivity goes away within a week, some people may suffer due to increased sensitivity to external stimuli. The discomfort associated with sensitivity can be removed by using painkillers or specialized toothpaste or dental creams made to relieve sensitivity and lessen irritation. You may also want to hold off from eating too hot or too cold food items during this period.
Home remedies, while sounding tame, also has a plethora of side effects. It is said that the majority of complications arising from teeth whitening is due to the improper use of home remedies without proper supervision or guidelines. Some home remedies for teeth whitening are quite abrasive, for example, baking soda, and can cause a host of oral and dental issues. Some fruit acids used for teeth whitening can also increase the risk of teeth having cavities.
Overall, it can be said that teeth whitening is a safe process when performed by skilled personnel, or in this case, dentists, as they know the limits as well as can help you even better in getting whiter teeth. The dentists are Belvedere Family Dentistry are well accustomed to teeth whitening procedures and have helped a large number of their patients in the procedure as well as other dental procedures.
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FAQs
What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.
Is teeth whitening at a dentist damaging? ›
The answer is yes and here's why: Hydrogen peroxide used in tooth whitening products can cause damage to your teeth. Incorrect use of whitening products can result in damage. Over whitening or having teeth whitening procedures performed too often can damage teeth.
Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›
Pregnant and lactating women. People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots.
Is it safe to get teeth professionally whitened? ›
Professional teeth whitening is generally safer than DIY methods or natural remedies, and precautions should be taken before and after treatment. If you have sensitive teeth, desensitizing gels or low-concentration products may be recommended.
Why is teeth whitening not recommended? ›
Overuse or misuse of teeth-whitening products can cause sensitivity, gum irritation, and other side effects. Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
Who is not suitable for teeth whitening? ›
Not everyone is the right candidate for teeth whitening. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment.
What are the long term effects of teeth whitening? ›
Potential Long-Term Risks
Permanent gum or tooth sensitivity. Damage to your dental roots. Enamel erosion. Uneven results.
Can old yellow teeth be whitened? ›
Teeth whitening treatments are for everyone – there's no age limit to having any kind of cosmetic dental treatments, so it doesn't matter if you're 26 or 62 or older, if you want whiter teeth, your age is not going to prevent it from happening.
Can teeth look worse after whitening? ›
First of all, don't worry! The white, patchy, streaky, or lined look of teeth after whitening is normal – it's called enamel demineralization.
What is the least toxic way to whiten your teeth? ›
If you want whiter teeth but also want to avoid the chemicals, this article lists many options that are both natural and safe.
- Practice oil pulling. ...
- Brush with baking soda. ...
- Use hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Eat fruits and vegetables. ...
- Prevent tooth stains before they happen.
Those who are suffering from periodontal disease, oral cancer, or who have enamel that is excessively worn down to not make good candidates for teeth whitening either. Most other patients should not have a problem.
What type of teeth cannot be whitened? ›
Teeth that have yellowed with age
Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.
What is the safest professional teeth whitening method? ›
laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.
Does baking soda whiten teeth? ›
Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.
What is the new technology for teeth whitening? ›
Scientists have developed a near-infrared (NIR) light method to safely whiten teeth with gels that have significantly reduced hydrogen peroxide content. This new technology is predicted to usher in a shift in the cosmetic dentistry industry.
Is it bad to wear teeth whitening? ›
Research shows that hydrogen peroxide products might damage proteins in your teeth's dentin layer. Dentin is the hard tissue that lies beneath your teeth's surface enamel. Another study shows that whitening products might also roughen or soften your teeth's surface.
What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth? ›
Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.
Is it bad to whiten teeth often? ›
Dentists recommend getting whitening treatment once a year or so for most patients to keep their smiles looking aesthetically pleasing. Whitening teeth too often could cause certain oral health concerns, such as worn-down enamel.
Can too much whitening damage teeth? ›
Excessive teeth whitening with bleach may lead to tooth erosion. If your teeth are over-exposed to bleaching agents, this may cause the enamel that protects your teeth to be destroyed. This can result in long-lasting oral health issues such as tooth decay and fracture, and lead to quite a lot of pain.
