Most people who use whiten their teeth experience few or no side effects and are satisfied with the results. However, some people may encounter one or more side effects associated with teeth whitening. Tooth sensitivity and soft tissue irritation are two common ones.
Side effects of teeth whitening may vary depending on whether you are doing an at-home treatment or get a professional one. They may also depend on the whitening agent, which can include:
Abrasives to remove stains (often in toothpaste)
Coloring agents
Bleaching peroxides
Surfactants to remove compounds from the tooth surface
This article discusses the types of teeth whitening products available and a few common side effects they can cause. It also explains why it's important to speak to a dental health professional before you use them.
Whitening products tend to cause sensitivity to teeth during the whitening process and for a short period after the procedure. This is due to the exposure of the inner dentin layer during the whitening process.
If you have tooth sensitivity before you decide to whiten, consult your dentist beforehand for advice on what teeth whitening options are suitable for your situation.
Your dentist can also give you a list of brands of whitening products that may help alleviate the increased level of sensitivity during the whitening process.
When soft tissue irritation occurs, your gums will generally appear white immediately after they come into contact with the whitening solution, especially if you've gotten a professional treatment.
The tissue does return to normal very shortly after exposure to the chemicals in the whitening product, but many patients are alarmed when they see their gums after exposure to a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
Prolonged exposure to teeth whitening gels or solution on the gum tissue also may result in the inflammation and redness of the areas affected by the whitening solution.
In extreme cases of soft tissue irritation from whitening solution, bleeding and pain in the gum tissue may occur.
Undesirable Results
Depending on the initial shade of your teeth, the results achieved after whitening your teeth may not be what you were hoping for. If you have heavy staining or internal tooth discoloration, you may not notice a change in the shade of your teeth after whitening.
If you whiten your teeth too often, you may notice that your teeth begin to appear gray or translucent, as opposed to a creamy white shade.
Additionally, if you have caps, crowns, veneers, or fillings, the whitening solution won't work on them. This may mean color variations between your teeth.
Whitening agents may improve appearance by removing some stains on teeth but the same product may not be right for everyone. Results may vary, depending on the individual. You also may experience sore gums and other side effects.
Before you decide to whiten your teeth, it's best to consult with your dentist. They will assess your teeth to see if you're a good candidate for tooth whitening procedures and if they'll work on your particular discoloration.
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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.
Some kits may not be reliable and using them incorrectly can cause further dental problems. Teeth whitening by a non-qualified dental practitioner can damage your teeth and gums. Dental practitioners are responsible for meeting safety and quality regulations and can provide a professional assessment of your 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.
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.
People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide. Individuals with sensitive teeth. Those who seek unrealistic or blinding-white results.
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.
The ADA notes that whitening agents aren't effective on veneers, fillings, crowns, and caps and likely won't work for discoloration that is brown, gray or caused by injury or medication. That's why it's important to check with your dentist before spending money on teeth whitening products.
In rare cases, the white patches or streaks can remain prominent and don't go away. If this happens, then there could be another issue at play, like thinning tooth enamel, which would mean the streaks were already present in the tooth enamel before the treatment, and whitening has just made them more noticeable.
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.
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.
Gastrointestinal Upset: Swallowing small amounts of whitening gel or saliva during treatment can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea. Rinse your mouth thoroughly and avoid swallowing the gel. Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the whitening products.
Teeth whitening can cause or increase tooth sensitivity, also called dentin hypersensitivity. However, sensitive teeth are usually temporary and can be managed using alternative treatments or limiting the number of treatments in a given time.
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.
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.
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.
Pros: Strips are inexpensive compared to most other methods. Cons: The strips only reach the front six teeth; they can irritate the gums; some users complain of sensitivity.
For 48 hours after a professional teeth whitening, it's recommended that you avoid acidic, pigmented foods and beverages and stick to things that won't cause discoloration. This is commonly called the “White Diet”, a short-term diet consisting of white and light-colored foods and drinks.
If you're looking for long-lasting results, Bianca Velayo, DMD of Green Valley Smiles Dentistry, recommends looking for peroxide-based products if you're hoping to whiten tooth enamel. You can opt for either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as both will reverse internal and external stains on teeth, she notes.
Introduction: My name is Clemencia Bogisich Ret, I am a super, outstanding, graceful, friendly, vast, comfortable, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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