Will Teeth Whitening Damage Tooth Enamel? | Dr. Q Dental (2024)

FAQs

Will Teeth Whitening Damage Tooth Enamel? | Dr. Q Dental? ›

Overuse or misuse of whitening products may exacerbate these risks. However, the risk of enamel damage is minimized when administered correctly, under professional supervision, or following the manufacturer's guidelines for at-home kits.

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.

Risks of teeth whitening

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.

Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit. These whitening strips from Crest use the same powerful whitening agents as the company's original kits, but in a less-concentrated formula that is designed to be gentle on sensitive teeth.

Interesting fact: although almost anything else can be regenerated, our bodies can't naturally regenerate enamel. Once enamel has eroded, it's gone. The best way to keep enamel strong is by maintaining proper oral hygiene.

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.

For celebrity-level whiteness, cosmetic dentists will usually use one of three different procedures: professional whitening treatments, veneers, or crowns.

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.

Teeth that have yellowed with age

Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.

Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›

Tooth and gum sensitivity and pain

Store-bought products may contain abrasive substances like hydrogen peroxide, which can be effective if used minimally, but in large doses can cause erosion of teeth's enamel and shrinkage of the gums.

Some home kits don't contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.

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.

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.

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.

Even though you can't reverse enamel erosion and shouldn't whiten at home to reduce yellowing, you can still change the look of your smile. The dentist can bond a tooth-colored material to the damaged area to create a smooth, pearly white finish.

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. It whitens teeth by eating away the surface of the enamel.

Can Tooth Enamel Be Restored? Once tooth enamel is damaged, it cannot be brought back. However, weakened enamel can be restored to some degree by improving its mineral content. Although toothpastes and mouthwashes can never “rebuild” teeth, they can contribute to this remineralization process.

How to whiten dentin? Luckily there's still a way to whiten your teeth, even if it's your dentin that's causing the yellowness. Deep Bleaching is the most effective method to whiten any kind of tooth discoloration. The method seems to work well, even when your tooth discoloration goes beyond your tooth enamel.

The recommended frequency for teeth whitening is no more than once a day, but preferably every other day, and you should take breaks in between whitening sessions. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid over-whitening and to seek advice from your dentist if you experience any sensitivity or discomfort.