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by MedExpert on November 6th, 2007

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What are the risks of teeth whitening?

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  • by karlasim123 on November 30th, 2010

    karlasim123

    Bleaching your teeth may help you towards a winning smile, but there are some aspects of teeth whitening which may deter you from pursuing those pearly whites. While there are some risks associated with the form of product you use, the majority of difficulties you are likely to encounter will involve side-effects.

    The main risk of teeth whitening is an increased sensitivity in the teeth. While this may seem a small price to pay, the pain caused by sensitive teeth can have a serious effect on your enjoyment of life, so it is worth taking into consideration.
    If you do get your teeth whitened, there are some ways to avoid or reduce the sensitivity side-effect. If you’re applying the whitener at home, don’t use the bleaching tray for long periods, and shorten these periods if your teeth become sensitive. If this doesn’t help, stop using the whitener for a few days to let your teeth adapt. Use a high-fluoride toothpaste or other product, particularly just before you apply the teeth whitener – this will help boost the mineral content of your teeth. Also, find a toothpaste suited for sensitive teeth to provide some relief while they recover.

    Another risk of teeth whitening is causing irritation to the gums and soft tissues of the mouth. This is caused by the chemicals used in the teeth whitening process, or the implements and trays used. As the tissues of the mouth are understandably sensitive, they can sometimes react badly. Keep your use of the bleaching tray to short periods, use a soft toothbrush and generally be careful of your mouth tissue. If the discomfort becomes a problem, consider getting your tray re-fitted to better protect your gums and mouth.

    There have been many clinical trials of teeth whitening products, and the majority are shown to be safe. The chemicals used are designed to be applied to the teeth only, so any other contact with the product is to be avoided. Studies have shown that products containing up to ten percent bleach are safe for the teeth – a higher bleach content poses a risk of damaging the tooth enamel. In all, however, most products come well below the line drawn for safety for bleach and hydrogen peroxide content.

    As with anything to do with your body, it is a good idea to consult a professional before embarking on a major treatment. See your dentist to find out which treatment will be best for you. Some types of stains won’t be affected by whitening treatment. Yellowish stains generally react quite well, but dark brown, grey or purplish stains may need extensive, time-consuming (and costly) treatments. They may not ever react to treatment at all.

    Pregnant or lactating women should not pursue a whitening treatment. Whitening treatment is also not advised for people under 16. If you have worn tooth enamel, it is generally not a good idea to expose it to more wear with a whitening treatment. If you have sensitive gums or gum disease, you may find that the treatment causes further difficulty. In general, anything wrong with your teeth or gums should be treated first before you pursue teeth whitening options.

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