Are Teeth Whitening Procedures Safe?

There’s no denying the appeal of a dazzling white smile. Thanks to a boost in popularity of celebrity culture, the demand for teeth whitening products has also increased. Earlier this year, market research organization Mintel valued the teeth whitening industry at £2 billion (about $2.5 billion).

There are many options available to those wanting to achieve a whiter smile. At the lower end of the technical spectrum, a toothpaste with abrasive materials such as baking soda can help to scrub off any surface staining. There are also over-the-counter options such as mouthwash, whitening strips, and whitening pens. Unfortunately, few of these options actually contain enough active ingredient to be effective, so they are really only a danger to your wallet.

In order to achieve effective results, your best option is to go to a qualified dental professional. You may also want to go to a dental hygienist who will carry out the treatment under the supervision of a dentist. The risk comes when people start to take advantage of too-good-to-be-true offers online and in beauty spas.

These will often claim to be safe and provide the same level of treatment that a dentist would, but in reality, they will often contain far too little or dangerous levels of whitening chemicals. Learning to avoid these dangerous teeth whitening products is the best way to maintain good oral health.

With cosmetic surgery claims on the rise, it’s easy to see why more and more people are looking for safer ways to whiten their teeth. In extreme cases, teeth whitening gone wrong can lead to tooth loss and chemical burns. So what are the dangers of unsafe teeth whitening?

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Increased sensitivity

In order to whiten the teeth, a chemical called hydrogen peroxide is used to penetrate the porous enamel and whiten the dentin below. This can leave the nerves in your teeth exposed and lead to increased sensitivity. For many people, they will be sensitive to hot and cold for a few days after the treatment and then this will subside, but in some cases, people can suffer from intense sensitivity.

This can come on suddenly and present as a sharp stabbing pain that might last for a few minutes. If this is happening and you are using at-home teeth whitening trays, you may have developed a sensitivity to the treatment and will have to stop using them.

Sensitive gums

Many dentists know the telltale signs of excessive teeth whitening as it will often be obvious from your gums. At home teeth whitening kits that are provided with one-size-fits-all dental trays are notorious for leaking onto the gums and irritating the delicate mucous membranes.

The only way to prevent this is to ensure you only ever use dental trays that have been created especially for your mouth by a dentist. You should also make sure you don’t overfill the trays, as more product doesn’t mean that it will whiten your teeth more.

Uneven colour

This is one of the most troubling for many people, as it is often an aesthetic decision to get your teeth whitened. Many people will make the mistake of continuing the whitening process when they see that their teeth have turned an uneven color. Sometimes this will mean patches of original color alongside patches of white, or sometimes lines of white.

The ends of the teeth may also appear transparent or slightly blue when over whitened. Often, the teeth simply need to settle for a while as the difference in color is a result of dehydration from the whitening chemicals. Whitening the teeth again will simply result in further dehydration and can result in a permanent blue hue.

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Root canal

By far the most dangerous side effect of poor teeth whitening is tooth loss. If the whitening solution is applied to a cracked tooth or over a broken cavity filling, the whitening chemicals may then penetrate the tooth. This can be incredibly damaging to the sensitive root and may lead to a root canal if it leads to an infection which is left untreated.

The best way to avoid this is to always consult with a dentist before carrying out any teeth whitening procedures. They will be able to advise you on the best way to safely whiten your teeth. For some people, whitening might not be suitable and so they will have to opt for veneers to change the appearance of their teeth. This is a more permanent and pricey solution, but if the alternative is tooth loss, it can often be worth it.

Color reversal

After whitening, it’s important to take good care of your teeth to prevent future staining. You should avoid caffeine or acidic drinks after a teeth whitening treatment, as these may stain the teeth or damage the enamel. Ensuring you visit the dental hygienist regularly will ensure you can go a longer time between top-up treatments.

It can be very disappointing to see your teeth return to their previous color, so ensuring you brush twice a day and visit the dentist regularly will help to maintain your pearly white smile.

Guest post by:

Rebecca Harper is a freelance writer living in London. She is interested in health and beauty and is currently researching the rise of cosmetic surgery claims and the impact on young people. When she isn’t writing, you will find her exploring the independent shops and cafes of London.