Teeth whitening treatments have been gaining in popularity, making them a common cosmetic dentistry treatment that many people have experienced. If you are looking for a way to improve your smile, then you might be considering teeth whitening. But there is one question that often comes to mind before scheduling the appointment: is teeth whitening safe?
As you are learning more about the benefits and potential risks of teeth whitening, it’s important to understand that the safety and effectiveness depend on the type of teeth whitening treatment that you choose. There are various options available, including over-the-counter products for at-home use, as well as professional teeth whitening services.
Ultimately, before you move forward with any type of treatment, it’s important to research “is teeth whitening safe for teeth?” The answer to this question will help you choose the best treatment to achieve the results you desire, without doing any harm to your teeth. In this article, we are taking a deep-dive into everything you need to know about the potential risks and precautions of teeth whitening services.
Professional Teeth Whitening: How It Works
If you are wondering “is whitening your teeth harmful,” you need to take a look at the ingredients that are being used as part of the teeth whitening treatment. Teeth whitening uses bleaching agents to penetrate through the enamel layer. The most common ingredients are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
As these ingredients are used on the teeth, they break down the surface-level stains within the top layer known as the enamel. This layer is important for teeth because it acts as a protective layer to minimize damage and decay. So, it’s important to be careful about any treatments or ingredients that could affect the strength and durability of your tooth enamel.
The Differences Between Over-the-Counter vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
There are a few notable differences between the results that can be achieved through professional teeth whitening and those that can be achieved using at-home teeth whitening products. The main difference is the effectiveness of the treatments.
For example, at-home teeth whitening might use similar ingredients that are used in professional teeth whitening services. However, the concentration of these ingredients is much lower in these at-home products. Because of safety concerns, at-home treatments aren’t as powerful because the manufacturers need to be careful about the safety when untrained consumers are using these products.
Is It Bad to Whiten Your Teeth? Potential Risks and Hidden Dangers
Even though teeth whitening is quite common, it doesn’t mean that this cosmetic treatment is risk-free. The truth is that whitening your teeth could potentially cause serious side effects, especially if you are using the wrong products or doing it incorrectly.
If you are wondering “is teeth whitening bad,” then here are some of the potential risks and dangers to be aware of:
- Enamel Damage: The most concerning risk is the possibility of damaging your enamel. Strong enamel is essential to protect the strength and durability of your teeth. If teeth whitening products are overused or misused, then the whitening agents can erode the enamel. Once enamel wears away, it does not grow back.
- Tooth Sensitivity: One common complaint is the discomfort experienced after teeth whitening due to increased sensitivity. If you already have sensitive teeth, then you might not want to use whitening ingredients that can cause sensitivity. You might notice that tooth sensitivity gets worse over time with repeated teeth whitening sessions.
- Gum Irritation: Even though teeth whitening treatments are targeting the hard surfaces on the teeth, the ingredients can cause irritation to the gums. These harsh whitening agents can even cause gum burns during or after the treatment. Extreme caution needs to be used to prevent the gums from being damaged by the whitening ingredients.
- Uneven Results: When using at-home teeth whitening kits, there is a higher risk of uneven results. Even if you are careful about using the products, you might notice inconsistent whitening where some of the teeth appear to be lighter in color compared to the others.
- Unsatisfactory Results: Another common complaint about at-home teeth whitening products is that the results are subpar. Even if you are consistent about multiple treatments using an over-the-counter product, the results don’t match up to what you can achieve with professional teeth whitening services. At-home products have lower concentrations of the ingredients to prevent injury and damage.
- Allergic Reactions: Although this side effect is rare, there is a possibility of experiencing an allergic reaction to the ingredients in the whitening products. If you notice any type of reaction, then it’s best to rinse your mouth and brush your teeth immediately. Don’t use that tooth whitening treatment again without first consulting with a dentist.
- Non-Regulated Products: Depending on where you buy teeth whitening products, it’s possible that you might be using a non-regulated kit. The dangers of teeth whitening increase when using a low-quality whitening kit from an untrusted source. If you want to whiten your teeth at home, then the best solution is to talk to your dentist for an at-home kit.
Precautions to Protect Your Teeth
Before moving forward with a whitening treatment, there are a few things you can do to protect your teeth and gums. The first and most important step is to always consult with a dentist. Getting professional advice is essential, especially for people with existing dental issues such as cavities or gum disease. You could cause dental complications by using unsafe tooth whitening products.
Also, pay attention to your tooth sensitivity before the whitening treatment. If you are more prone to tooth sensitivity, then you will want to consult with a dentist to find recommendations that will ensure your comfort during and after the whitening session.
Pay attention to the ingredients that are included in any tooth whitening treatment that you use. Also, consider doing a patch test to determine the effectiveness (and whether you are sensitive to the ingredients) before whitening your whole mouth.
FAQ
Does teeth whitening have harmful effects?
When teeth whitening products are used incorrectly, they can cause harmful effects like enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and gum irritation.
Why is teeth whitening not recommended?
Tooth whitening treatments are not recommended for people who have a higher risk of complications, such as patients with gum disease, sensitive teeth, or damaged teeth. Also, it is not recommended to overuse these products since they can damage the soft tissues and enamel.
Is teeth whitening a safe procedure?
Teeth whitening is generally a safe procedure when a professional performs the treatment. You can protect your teeth and gums and achieve the best results by scheduling an in-office whitening appointment.
Call the Cosmetic Dentistry Experts
Is teeth whitening safe? It’s time to talk to our expert team to see if you are a good candidate for this treatment. If you want to brighten your smile, then explore our cosmetic dentistry services.
At myDental, we offer full-service treatment options, including cosmetic dentistry, restorative services, and general dentistry. You are invited to book an appointment at your convenience to talk to our expert team and have a full examination. We offer multiple locations in the area.