Bleaching Your Teeth Too Much May Cause Damage (2024)

Everyone is interested in looking their best and having a brighter smile. Seeking professional teeth whitening in moderation may help achieve these goals, however, some patients aren’t satisfied with the results of their treatments. Some patients seek frequent and excessive teeth whitening sessions in an attempt to emulate images of their favorite Hollywood celebrities and their dazzling smiles.

There can be an obsession which leads to over-bleaching one’s teeth to make them look as white as possible; this is a new issue that dentists have begun calling bleachorexia. Not only do overly white teeth look unnatural, but the act of over bleaching may cause damage to your teeth and actually destroy them.

What Happens When You Over-Bleach Your Teeth?

The effects of Bleachorexia on your teeth range from simply uncomfortable to downright painful. The intensity of the effects of over-bleaching depends on which product you are using, how often you are using it, and the condition of your teeth to begin with.

Hypersensitivity

Teeth whitening with products like peroxide may cause your teeth sensitivity to cold or hot foods, a side effect that is exacerbated when you over-bleach your teeth.This is usually not a permanent problem if the user stops using the bleaching product. The sensitivity will usually cease after the bleaching agent is no longer used in a person’s oral hygiene routine.

Gum irritation

Another common effect of over-bleaching your teeth is gum and throat irritation, it also may cause bleeding of gums that can be quite uncomfortable. The gums and throat are not good at resisting corrosive chemicals like peroxide, which leads to irritation.

Darker teeth

Attempting to whiten your teeth with bleach may actually result in the opposite effect by causing your teeth to appear darker as they become more translucent.

Erosion

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.

The safest option to gaining a whiter smile is to schedule a dental appointment with your dentist to assess the condition of your teeth and to develop a safe, customized smile makeover tailored to your needs.

Schedule your next cleaning and checkup today to help you maintain a healthy and bright smile for years to come. Dr. Melchersand his experienced staff are here to address all your oral health care issues. Contact us today atinfo@oldmtpleasantdentistry.comto see how we can best meet your dental care needs.

Bleaching Your Teeth Too Much May Cause Damage (2024)

FAQs

Bleaching Your Teeth Too Much May Cause Damage? ›

However, teeth whitening treatments can cause damage to the enamel if not done correctly or overused. Enamel damage can lead to increased sensitivity, pain, and white spots on your teeth. It's essential to consult with a dentist before using any teeth whitening products to ensure they're safe for your teeth.

What happens if you bleach your teeth too much? ›

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.

Can bleaching ruin your teeth? ›

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 it bad to whiten your 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 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 you overdo 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.

What do overbleached teeth look like? ›

Your Teeth Are Starting to Look Translucent

That said, they shouldn't be allowing light to pass through in a way that your teeth almost have an appearance that you can slightly see through. Translucent teeth are usually caused by over-whitening, over-bleaching, or other excessive forms of treatment.

Why you shouldn't bleach your teeth? ›

The use of bleach to brush or whiten teeth will also cause gum irritation and can irritate your throat as well. In addition, due to the corrosive nature of bleach, it can cause your gums to bleed and make them feel uncomfortable.

When should I stop bleaching my teeth? ›

As the shade will change gradually over the treatment, you can decide to stop treatment whenever you feel your teeth are bright enough. We ensure the solution is suitable for your teeth and gums prior to starting treatment. Teeth whitening is a safe and easy way to brighten the colour of your teeth.

Can teeth whitening cause enamel loss? ›

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.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

Fortunately, there are ways of making your yellow teeth white, from improving your oral hygiene and diet to visiting the dentist and having them professionally whitened. There's no need to feel ashamed of your smile anymore.

How many times can you bleach your teeth? ›

We recommend to patients that they avoid whitening their teeth too often, as over-whitening can cause sensitivity issues and make your teeth appear translucent. We advise whitening your teeth just once a year, whether professionally or at home.

How to rehydrate teeth after whitening? ›

Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.

Do teeth become weak after whitening? ›

Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.

How can I naturally whiten my teeth? ›

Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
  1. Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
  2. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
  3. Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
  4. Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
  5. Apply Coconut Oil. ...
  6. Brush Your Tongue. ...
  7. Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.

How to whiten teeth without damaging enamel? ›

Here are six ways for you to naturally whiten your teeth without the use of any harmful chemicals:
  1. First things first, brush your teeth regularly: ...
  2. Oil pulling: ...
  3. Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste: ...
  4. Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels: ...
  5. Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables: ...
  6. Go to the dentist:

What happens if you leave teeth bleach on too long? ›

Burns and Blisters. In rare cases, the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening can cause burns or blisters on your gums. This usually happens when the gel used is left on your teeth for too long or if it's not applied correctly.

How many times can you bleach your teeth in a year? ›

We advise whitening your teeth just once a year, whether professionally or at home. This should keep sensitivity from becoming a problem while helping you maintain a white, natural-looking smile. Typically, the professional-grade whitening kits available from our dental office last about a year.

Can teeth bleaching make you sick? ›

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.

Can I bleach my teeth every night? ›

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.

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