The Risks of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can have a huge number of benefits when it comes to improving self-esteem and the way people look. However, with any procedure there are always risks to bear in mind. The risks vary depending on the type of teeth whitening procedure.
Whitening Using Bleach
One type of teeth whitening procedure is based on the application of bleach on the teeth to whiten the colour – a key ingredient in both home and dentist teeth whitening. While this procedure is suitable for most people, there are a number of people who should avoid the treatment:
- Pregnant women should avoid any kind of bleaching procedure.
- If you have extremely sensitive teeth, or problems with your gums, then you should seek advice from your dentist about whether the procedure is suitable for you.
- If you drink much alcohol then bleach whitening may also not be suitable for you. Intake of bleach means that you could be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol after the procedure.
- If you are unsuitable for traditional whitening treatments then you may benefit more from options such as dentures or veneers.
For anyone, bleach can be dangerous if used incorrectly. By choosing to go with a professional for your teeth whitening you can be sure the bleach won't be left on too long. If you are performing the procedure at home then make sure to follow the instructions carefully, leave the solution on as long as it says and no longer. If you do leave it on too long this could cause irreparable damage to your teeth.
Painful Teeth
One of the main risks after many different types of teeth whitening is that your teeth will become sensitive, perhaps even painful. If you already have sensitive teeth then you can still benefit from whitening treatment but should talk to a dentist first.
A way of reducing the pain felt after the whitening process is to use a soft toothbrush and medicated toothpaste. However, pain will usually disappear after just a few days.
If pain is felt during the procedure then your dentist may reduce the time bleach is used. The same can be done with at home whitening kits – slowly building up the time until your teeth are more used to the product.
Other Risks
The risks are generally very minimal when it comes to teeth whitening, and mainly come from the use of bleach as mentioned above. However, when it comes to at-home whitening kits the risks are generally increased if you do not follow the instructions properly.
The best way to avoid damaging your teeth or gums is to keep a close eye on the way they react to bleach. Most home whitening kits will need to be used over a period of weeks or months, and you should stop using the product should you notice an adverse reaction.
It is also possible to choose other teeth whitening options such as toothpaste or whitening strips. However, these are generally regarded as less effective than bleach whitening.