The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
Possible side effects of teeth whitening
Dentists take every precaution possible to minimize the risk of teeth sensitivity and gum irritation during treatment. However, side effects can occur in some instances, especially for those that use an over-the-counter whitening kit that is not prescribed by a dentist.
Teeth sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity is one of the most commonly reported side effects of teeth whitening. This can occur if the patient has weakened enamel or if the whitening is not properly administered. In-office whitening is the best way to minimize the risk of sensitivity during and after treatment as the dental professional can apply the bleaching agent in the safest way possible. Dentists often recommend certain treatments before whitening, if necessary, to reduce the risk of sensitivity. For example, dentists may recommend a patient with dental cavities receive dental fillings before the whitening procedure.
Gum irritation
In-office whitening involves isolating the teeth from the gums using a dental dam. This significantly reduces the risk of gum irritation. However, gum irritation can occur if the gums are not properly isolated or if the take-home or store-bought kit is not properly applied. Most patients do not experience any issues with gum irritation, particularly when it is performed in the office and administered by a dental professional.
Ineffective results
It is important to have realistic expectations as to what to expect from treatment. Teeth whitening can remove most minor stains, but it is not effective in treating more severe stains, known as “intrinsic stains.” The dentist can show you on a shade guide the type of results you can expect and go over your alternative options if the ideal results cannot be achieved through teeth whitening.
There are often no side effects
As mentioned, most patients do not experience any side effects from teeth whitening treatments, particularly when it is performed in-office. Before treatment begins, talk to the dentist about ways to reduce the risk of side effects during or after treatment.
The importance of professional treatment
Most people who experience complications from teeth whitening do so by trying store-bought whitening kits. While for some patients they may be useful, they are not nearly as safe or as effective as professional treatment. Instead, it is best to visit a professional for teeth whitening, and the results can last much longer with less of a risk of side effects.
Learn more about teeth whitening treatment today
Reach out to our team today to learn more about the potential side effects of teeth whitening and to arrange a visit for treatment. Here at our practice, it is our mission to ensure our patients achieve a smile that brings them joy and that they enjoy showing off, and many of our patients achieve this through professional teeth whitening.
Are you considering teeth whitening in the Mountain View area? Get more information at https://smilesdental.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Mountain View, CA.
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FAQs
The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
Which is the most common side effect of tooth whitening? ›
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
Are there any risks to teeth whitening? ›
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.
Does teeth whitening have long-term effects? ›
Teeth whitening treatments can cause side effects. However, the side effects do not last unless you are over-whitening your teeth and are doing it all the time. If you overdo it, your teeth can become sensitive.
Is Smile Sciences teeth whitening safe? ›
Are these pens safe or my enamel? The Smile Science Harley Street Teeth Whitening Pen only contains ingredients that are proven safe for your enamel. We do not use any harsh abrasive ingredients in our Whitening Pens.
What are the side effects of whitening treatment? ›
Possible risks of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone, corticosteroids or mercury include:
- skin turning dark or too light.
- thinning of the skin.
- visible blood vessels in the skin.
- scarring.
- kidney, liver or nerve damage.
- abnormalities in a newborn baby (if used during pregnancy)
These effects are most commonly tooth hypersensitivity (often referred to as 'zingers'), and soft tissue (gum) irritation.
Who should not whiten their teeth? ›
Barriers to Successful Teeth Whitening If you have fillings or other materials in your mouth, special considerations are necessary. Because crowns, bridges and other inorganic restorations are immune to the effects of tooth whitening, your natural teeth and restored teeth may not match after the procedure.
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.
Who is not suitable 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. Anyone who has exposed roots may not be a good candidate.
And if you still have your baby teeth, you might need to skip any type of whitening product altogether. No upper age limit applies to tooth whitening products. But it's common for older people to have dental work, including crowns and bridges, that makes whitening a challenge.
How long does teeth whitening stay in your system? ›
The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as six months, and it varies from person to person. It won't last as long if you indulge in things that stain your teeth, such as: Smoking. Dark liquids like red wine, coffee, and tea.
How to whiten teeth in 2 minutes? ›
Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.
How often should you use smile teeth whitening? ›
Dentists typically recommend getting one or two professional whitening treatments per year. At-home whitening kits can be used for up to 14 consecutive days. People who have gotten professional whitening can maintain their results by using these kits a few times a year.
Is whitening teeth FDA approved? ›
Teeth Whitening Devices Can Only Be FDA Registered Not Approved. Because teeth whiteners are Class I medical devices, the FDA does not grant them approval. These devices must still be registered with the FDA, however, to show they adhere to general safety and effectiveness regulations.
Is smile direct safe to use? ›
Smile Direct Club is, in fact, not good for your teeth because the treatment is entirely virtual. “Moving someone's teeth without in-person supervision can lead to 'irreparable' harm,” says Chung Kau, chairman and professor of orthodontics at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
Who should not use teeth whitening products? ›
Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product. Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth-whitening procedure.
What happens if you use too much teeth whitening? ›
While teeth whitening can be a great way to brighten your smile and increase your confidence, it is possible to overdo it. Risks associated with too much whitening include tooth and gum sensitivity, discoloration, and even enamel degradation.
Can teeth whitening cause an infection? ›
Mouth infections caused by teeth whitening
Just like a cut on your skin, if you have a wound exposed in your mouth you are much more vulnerable to infections caused by the high levels of bacteria living in the mouth.
Is using hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth safe? ›
Like many chemicals, hydrogen peroxide is only safe in small doses. While hydrogen peroxide is generally recognized as safe for whitening, the key lies in using it in appropriate concentrations. Anything stronger than a 3% concentration is dangerous, and many whitening products dilute the solution even further.
