Teeth Whitening Side Effects - Teeth Whitening Risks (2024)

Potential Long-Term Risks

There are very few risks associated with teeth whitening. However, in rare cases, both professional-grade and over-the-counter products can cause:

  • Permanent gum or tooth sensitivity
  • Damage to your dental roots
  • Enamel erosion
  • Uneven results
  • Damage to the mucous membranes in your mouth

Patients who continually whiten their teeth without the approval of their dentists can also develop serious oral health concerns. Constant use of peroxide-based whitening products can strip away tooth enamel and cause chemical burns on the soft tissue. However, these risks are rare and are typically associated with over-whitening or improper technique.

Undergoing professional whitening treatment with an experienced cosmetic dentist is the best way to minimize the chance of temporary or long-term side effects.

Temporary Side Effects

Although teeth whitening rarely causes long term damage, temporary sensitivity is not uncommon. If you experience any discomfort following your treatment, your dentist can help you minimize irritation in the future.

Dental Sensitivity

For most patients, sensitivity dissipates within a few days of treatment. While there is no way to predict who may develop the condition, some patients face a higher risk for post-whitening sensitivity. You are more likely to experience this side effect if you:

  • Already have sensitive teeth
  • Notice changes in the sensitivity of your teeth following a hygienic cleaning
  • Experience sensitivity following brushing, flossing, or fluoride treatments

Your dentist can recommend techniques to minimize sensitivity for future treatments. Gentle cleansing products and toothpastes can manage and decrease discomfort. Some dentists also offer desensitizing products for whitening patients. If you experience irritation, you should abstain from touch-up treatments until otherwise instructed by your dentist.

Gum Irritation

Another common side effect associated with teeth whitening is gum irritation. This condition may result from:

  • Using an ill-fitting bleaching tray
  • Failure of the protective barrier during in-office treatment
  • Overuse of a whitening agent

When designed correctly, at-home whitening trays prevent the bleaching gel from coming into contact with your gum tissue. Your dentist can create a custom-made tray to reduce the chance of irritation.

Minimizing Your Risks

Undergoing whitening treatment with an experienced cosmetic dentist is the best way to minimize the chance of temporary or long-term or side effects. Over-the-counter whitening products are less predictable. Some inexpensive products have dangerously high levels of peroxide. In addition, they are more likely to cause uneven results. Most side effects of teeth whitening stem from improper use of whitening gel, meaning you can protect your oral health by following all of your dentist’s instructions precisely. Consult your dentist before beginning whitening treatment to determine if you are a good candidate for teeth bleaching.

Teeth Whitening Side Effects - Teeth Whitening Risks (2024)

FAQs

Does teeth whitening have harmful effects? ›

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.

Is there anything bad about 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.

Can you get sick after teeth whitening? ›

Some dangers of teeth whitening include -

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.

Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›

People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide. Individuals with sensitive teeth. Those who seek unrealistic or blinding-white results.

Does teeth whitening damage your enamel? ›

We all want a white brighter smile. But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel. The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out.

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.

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.

When should you not get teeth whitening? ›

Individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums, or defective restorations should consult with their dentist prior to using a tooth-whitening system. Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product. Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots.

Can teeth whitening gel make you ill? ›

In another rare case, teeth whitening can cause an upset stomach. This usually happens when you swallow the bleaching agents used in the procedure. If you have an upset stomach after whitening your tooth, try drinking plenty of fluids and eating bland.

Can tooth whitening go wrong? ›

Effects of incorrect whitening methods

Gum irritation: soft tissue irritation or chemical burns can happen during the whitening process if bleach is left on your gums for too long. This can be painful, cause white or red patches on your gums and take a while to clear up.

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.

What is the bad side of teeth whitening? ›

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.

What disqualifies you from teeth whitening? ›

Teeth Whitening Disqualifications

Cavities, gum disease, fillings, crowns, and bridges may disqualify you from treatment. Other conditions and circumstances that may bar a patient from teeth whitening treatment include: Pregnancy and breast-feeding. Being under the age of 16.

Which teeth cannot be whitened? ›

Teeth that have yellowed with age

Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.

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.

Is teeth whitening at a dentist damaging? ›

A frequently asked question is whether professional teeth whitening treatment can actually do more harm to your teeth than good. There is more emphasis placed on your tooth enamel when having teeth whitening treatment. Categorically, the answer is no.

What happens if you wear teeth whitening too long? ›

If you've left your teeth whitening gel on for too long and are worried that it might have caused damage to your teeth, try not to fret. You may notice some slight sensitivity of the teeth, white spots on the gum or white flecks on teeth, or numbness on the gumline.

Is crest teeth whitening safe? ›

Is crest whitestrips safe? Crest 3D Glamorous Whitestrips is approved by the American Dental Association, and are considered safe when used occasionally and in moderation. If used incorrectly or too frequently, this product may cause damage to your gums and teeth.

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