September 1, 2021
Our teeth are not bright white but have a pearly shade. However, they can get darker because of factors like age, eating habits, and tobacco usage. Even with regular brushing and cleaning, you cannot whiten your teeth. It means you may need teeth whitening services near you to whiten your teeth and remove stains.
While the teeth whitening procedure is safe, it can have side effects if used improperly. In this post, we look at those side effects of over whitening your teeth.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that uses a bleaching agent and UV light to alter the color of teeth. Teeth naturally have tiny pores where bacteria can live, keeping your mouth healthy—teeth whitening works by opening these pores and filling them with a bleaching compound. The bleaching compound reacts with the enamel to change the color of your teeth.
Teeth whitening is not recommended if you have had dental implants or other tooth replacements.
What are the Teeth Whitening Options?
Several whitening procedures are available that you can use, and these include:
Stain removal toothpaste, gels, and pens
While all toothpaste can remove mild stains on the teeth, several types are designed for whitening purposes. The toothpaste contains compounds with stain-removal properties. However, unlike bleaches, toothpaste does not change the color of the teeth.
At-home whitening kits
You can talk to our dentist near you about getting custom-made trays to use at home. These trays help to maintain the whitening results at home, and they are comfortable to use. They are preferred if you want to whiten your teeth at home but still need the dentist’s guidance.
In-office bleaching treatment
This procedure is done at the dental office, and it takes about 45 minutes. It is the better option because the dentist will apply a protective gel on the gums to prevent bruising.
Teeth whitening
The Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
Although teeth whitening is regarded as a safe procedure, it may cause side effects and damage the enamel. It is advisable to work with the dentist because they will take the necessary precautions and advise on the dangers of over-whitening.
Teeth whitening should be done sparingly to avoid damaging your teeth. Some of the whitening effects include:
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common complaint after a teeth whitening procedure. However, the sensitivity is transient and clears over time. When you over whiten your teeth, the enamel can get stripped of its natural minerals. Furthermore, the whitening agent can damage the tooth crown and nerves and cause them to become oversensitive to hot and cold beverages.
People who suffer from tooth sensitivity for other reasons cannot get teeth whitening because it will worsen the situation.
Our dentist may recommend techniques and products that may reduce the sensitivity.
Gum irritation
Gum irritation is one of the side effects of teeth whitening and is considered a serious problem. Gum irritation can cause your gums to become red, swollen, and even bleed. The irritation is caused by teeth whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide, which will bleach all your enamel to make your teeth whiter. However, when it comes in contact with your gums, it can irritate them.
The irritation, however, often occurs when you use cosmetic whitening products available at your local drug store.
Gum irritation is a common side effect of teeth whitening and should be monitored by the dentist. If not treated properly, you could risk losing your gums. Gum irritation doesn’t happen in all cases as it depends on the strength of the teeth whitening product.
Damage to the enamel
Frequently over-whitening your teeth will cause the death of the tooth enamel, which is the outermost layer on your teeth. It may also expose the inner parts of the tooth, including nerves and pulp. It leads to infection and damage that sometimes leads to rotten teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
You can avoid or reduce the side effects of teeth whitening. Visit Dr. Dani Dental for more information about safe teeth whitening practices.
Learn More:- Weighing The Pros & Cons Of Teeth Whitening
