Could Teeth Whitening Kits Be Hurting My Teeth? (2024)

FAQs

Could Teeth Whitening Kits Be Hurting My Teeth? ›

Answer: Yes, sensitivity can occur with at-home kits. Following the instructions and using products in moderation can help minimise sensitivity.

Whilst hydrogen peroxide is safe to use in small doses, many home teeth whitening kits contain more than 0.1% which can cause burns to the soft tissue inside the mouth, increase tooth sensitivity and, in extreme cases, irreversible gum recession.

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.

Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste:

Baking soda has teeth whitening properties; that's why it's prevalent in toothpaste commercials. It helps in rubbing off stains from the tooth surface due to its mildly abrasive nature. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a natural bleaching agent.

Zingers are sudden, sharp zaps in a tooth that some people may experience after tooth whitening. They usually last for a few seconds at a time. These can occur during the whitening procedure and may last for a day or two after treatment.

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 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.

Overusing Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips are an affordable, convenient way to get a brighter smile at home. Although they can effectively whiten your teeth, whitening strips can start to damage your teeth if you wear them too long or use them too often.

The good news about teeth whitening is that the treatment itself doesn't cause any pain whatsoever, so you can rest easy. It's a relief to know that you can up your self-confidence by receiving teeth-whitening treatment, but you don't have to worry about any discomfort during the procedure.

Studies have shown that professional teeth whitening does not harm enamel. But that doesn't mean your concerns with enamel end there. People will thin enamel on their teeth might not be good candidates for professional teeth whitening.

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.

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.

The most common approach dentists use for brightening teeth is professional teeth whitening. It entails bleaching teeth enamel to remove surface and intrinsic stains.

If you experience increased tooth sensitivity or gum irritation after these whitening methods, it might be because the products are overly abrasive or acidic, which wears away tooth enamel and irritates gums. 1 Meanwhile bleaching agents such as peroxide can irritate the nerves inside your teeth.

But science shows that the strips come with some side effects, most commonly increased tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation, which can last for several days and be quite painful — especially if the whitening agent gets into a cavity, or if your gums are already inflamed or bleeding from gum disease.

The Dental Damage of Whitening

Don't worry that whitening will harm your crowns or porcelain veneers. It's simply a cosmetic procedure. Your dental restorations are made of extremely strong materials and won't be affected by the bleach in the tooth whitening treatment.

Teeth whitening can improve the appearance of discoloured teeth. It's likely to cost less than procedures like crowns or veneers. If you have any cracks in your teeth, the bleach could cause pain or further damage. Side effects are most likely to happen immediately after treatment.

Are whitening strips safe to use? The majority of whitening strips are safe to use; however, if you use whitening strips that contain chlorine dioxide, you could destroy the enamel on your teeth. Chlorine dioxide is the same acid used to disinfect swimming pools.

Conclusion. LED teeth whitening is a safe, gentle way to remove most types of teeth stains. If in doubt, be sure to speak with your dental professional to advise you on the best whitening treatment for you.