Teeth whitening has become a widely popular trend. It started when celebrities opted for pearly white teeth in a matter of days. Their bright smiles appealed to their fans, and people began flocking to dental experts to whiten their teeth.
You can also buy various teeth whitening kits and get super white teeth without scheduling an appointment with the dentist — at home.
Although it makes sense when it comes to oral hygiene, teeth whitening can contain adverse effects due toexcessuse of chemicals often involved in the process.
Let us take a look at the side effects associated with teeth whitening, in order to make an informed decision:
Teeth whitening side effects
Soft tissue irritation
Many people have opted for teeth whitening. Most are satisfied with the outcome, but some have developed soft tissue irritation. This condition is also called a chemical burn. It happens when the whitening solution touches your gum tissue during the procedure.
In some cases, gums might turn white as a result. Whitening solutions contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The harsh chemicals found in these gels or solutions can contribute to redness and inflammation on the affected area. Gum tissues are delicate. The whitening solution may cause pain and bleeding there as well.
Sensitivity of teeth
You cannot predict how sensitiveyour teeth are until after a teeth whitening procedure. It can affect the dentin layer severely. Moreover, consult a dental expert before opting for teeth whitening. This way, you will get assistance with the whitening process.
Blotchy appearance
Carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent. Bleaching the teeth consistently strips away enamel, leading to unpleasant and blotchy appearance via exposing the darker dentin. It is worth noting that affected enamel makes the teeth brittle and vulnerable to chipping or cracking. The teeth can become easy to bend and flexible due to enamel erosion. Protection enamel coating allows you to consume anything you want. On the other hand, without the coating, sensitivity increases and forces you to stop eating certain foods like ice cream.
Discomfort and pain
Various patients encounter teeth pain after a few hours of a whitening session. It ranges from mild to intense. The kind of pain is usually an outcome of inflammation in the nerves of your teeth, which occurs due to:
- Dehydration of the teeth
- Penetration of bleaching agent to the teeth nerves
- Exposing teeth to a high temperature for an extensive period
You might be wondering:
Pearly white teeth enhance appearance. However, be cautious when undergoing teeth whitening, as most of these treatments do not work with coverings such as porcelain veneers. The solution might affect the cover and cause discoloration. We suggest consulting the dental expert to protect the teeth and to avoid such unpleasant conditions.
Call (520) 368-3351 today to reach Simply Smiles Dentistry.
Related Posts
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Professional teeth whitening can restore a patient's confidence by giving them a bright, gleaming smile. There are many different teeth whitening products available for home use, but the methods used to whiten teeth by a dentist can be more effective than over-the-counter alternatives. Here is what a potential patient should know about how the process…
How Fluoride Can Relieve Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening
If you want to improve the look of your smile with minimal effort and time, a professional teeth whitening treatment is a great option. These procedures can help remove years of staining for teeth that look whiter, beautiful, and younger after just one session. Post-treatment sensitivity can happen to some, but there are many ways…
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Right For You?
Performed either in a dental office or from home using custom-fitted trays made in a dental lab, professional teeth whitening is a popular solution for enhancing a person's smile. While the cost of professional bleaching is more expensive than purchasing over-the-counter products, this treatment often provides faster, more dramatic results.In fact, some patients may even…
How Long Will Teeth Whitening Take Home Trays Results Last?
One of the most popular treatments in dentistry today is teeth whitening. Getting a healthier-looking smile makes the procedure attractive for many individuals. Using take-home trays is a great way to get a brighter smile conveniently. However, you might wonder how long the results will last. Keep reading to find out more about the process.The…
FAQs
These include:
- Tooth Sensitivity. This usually happens when the bleaching agents penetrate too deeply into your tooth enamel, causing the dentin to become exposed. ...
- Gum Irritation. ...
- Over Whitening. ...
- Burns and Blisters. ...
- Allergic Reactions. ...
- Upset Stomach. ...
- Rough Teeth.
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.
Does teeth whitening cause any dental problems? ›
“Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.”
Is smile whitening safe? ›
At home teeth whitening procedures are generally safe for use; however, they do pose some adverse effects if they are not judiciously or cautiously used. A long-term and unwarranted use of teeth whitening products can severely affect dental health.
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 a reaction to teeth whitening? ›
Getting an allergic reaction from teeth whitening products is quite rare, but it isn't impossible. If you're allergic to peroxide (the bleaching agent), don't use tooth whitening treatments.
What is the safest teeth whitening procedure? ›
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.
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.
Is it safe to get teeth professionally whitened? ›
In-office whitening is highly effective, safe, and long-lasting. But it's more expensive than over-the-counter options, and often isn't covered by dental insurance. Ask your dentist for a cost estimate before committing to teeth whitening.
Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›
If you are pregnant or lactating, teeth whitening is not recommended. If you have sensitive teeth, you should let your dentist know. You may not be a candidate for teeth whitening.
Although teeth whitening is a safe, straight forward procedure, the most commonly reported side effect of whitening can be sensitivity and mild gum irritation. It should be noted that both of these side effects are not permanent and completely reversible.
Why is my teeth whitening making my teeth worse? ›
Teeth whitening may cause mild tooth pain, sensitivity, and gingival irritation. But there are ways to find relief. Tooth sensitivity and gum pain after whitening should only last a few days. If your pain is severe and long lasting, let your dental provider know right away.
Is dentist teeth whitening worth it? ›
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Yellow teeth can be completely whitened with teeth whitening technologies at the dentist or at home. Depending on the status of your yellow teeth as well as your needs, the doctor will advise and prescribe the appropriate method.
How long does smile teeth whitening last? ›
Plus, the whitening agent that we use has 30% hydrogen peroxide which makes it more effective compared to the 6% hydrogen peroxide found in over-the-counter products. The results of dental chairside or in-office bleaching are long-lasting but not permanent. With proper care, your brighter smile can last for 1-3 years.
Is my sweet smile teeth whitening safe? ›
The MySweetSmile Teeth Whitening Pen is fluoride-free and formulated without peroxide, PEG, parabens, or phthalates. This ensures a gentle yet effective whitening experience without causing sensitivity or gum irritation.
How often can you use Mysmile teeth whitening kit? ›
7 days per course, take a 4-6 weeks break between courses, use as needed after. How often to use? We advise using the whitening kit consistently for a 7-day comprehensive treatment, and it's recommended to wait 4 to 6 weeks between each treatment for optimal results. How much gel should I apply?
How long should I use smile teeth whitening? ›
We recommend whitening your teeth at night before you go to bed. After whitening for 7-10 days consecutively, we recommend waiting 2-4 weeks before using the system again.
Are LED teeth whitening kits safe? ›
According to Dr. Alina Lane, DDS, “Current research shows that the use of LED whitening kits is quite safe when used infrequently, however it is extremely common to see an increase in tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation immediately after using these products.”
