Does teeth whitening damage teeth? Many Australian patients who want to achieve this objective ask this question.
This blog provides comprehensive information about teeth whitening, including its benefits, risks, and precautions. We aim to help you make an informed decision and enjoy long-term peace of mind and comfort, knowing your teeth are in perfect shape.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that eliminates discolouration and staining.
Your dentist will prescribe the best teeth whitening strategy for your specific situation. Nowadays, several options are available for patients, including the following:
- In-office bleaching: In this scenario, your practitioner will apply a teeth whitening product containing 15% to 43% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxide). The procedure takes 60 to 90 minutes, and there are no subsequent visits unless your dentist requires them.
- At-home bleaching products: As the term implies, patients perform this dental intervention at home. They use several techniques without professional guidance, including over-the-counter whitening kits, strips, toothpaste, and natural remedies, such as baking soda, activated charcoal or lemon juice.
In-office bleaching or teeth whitening typically produces better results but costs more than at-home counterparts. However, the latter can be cost-effective despite its slow-acting results.
As trusted Robina teeth whitening experts with over 25 years of quality oral health care experience, we remind our patients that whitening products, primarily those with high bleaching agent amounts, may cause tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
For this reason, we strongly encourage you to seek the advice of a highly experienced dental practitioner before purchasing an at-home teeth whitening product. Expert guidance significantly minimises risks and side effects and ensures a safe teeth whitening procedure.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Many people desire white, sparkling teeth that boost their confidence, improve their appearance, and enhance quality of life. Teeth whitening, a popular cosmetic dental procedure, can help you achieve these goals and enjoy its benefits.
Teeth whitening procedures are safe when performed by a highly skilled and experienced dental professional who ensures optimum results with minimum discomfort.
This section will explore various advantages of teeth whitening to help patients make an informed decision and enjoy good, long-term dental health.
Increased Confidence
People with radiant smiles enjoy improved self-esteem and confidence. Teeth whitening products eliminate caffeine and nicotine stains, enhancing teeth health and brightness.
Studies have concluded that individuals with confident smiles make valuable first impressions on others. Teeth whitening can help you achieve that objective and make you look younger and vibrant.
Enhances Oral Health
Excellent oral health has a significant impact on your well-being. Teeth whitening eliminates surface stains, brightens smiles, boosts confidence, and helps people achieve this long-term goal.
Teeth whitening procedures eliminate oral plaque and bacteria, significantly minimising gum disease and tooth loss risks. Excellent oral health also prevents cardiovascular disease, organ failure, and cancer as one ages.
Convenience
Professional teeth whitening is a fast, convenient procedure that takes 60 to 90 minutes. Patients with dull smiles and low self-esteem will enjoy quick turnaround times with professional dental expertise. It’s a unique advantage of professional teeth whitening over at-home bleaching products, which take several days or weeks to produce results.
Possible Mental Health Benefits
Dental professionals conclude that bad oral hygiene can lead to cognitive decline later in life. Teeth whitening improves oral health and helps prevent that scenario.
Incessant stress over physical appearance can affect your mental health. White, sparkly teeth help boost confidence and dissipate stress, preserving long-term cognitive function.
Teeth Whitening Health Risks
Teeth whitening has several impressive advantages. However, it isn’t perfect, and this cosmetic dental procedure has potential risks and side effects.
This section discusses various disadvantages of teeth whitening. We encourage patients to seek the advice of a trusted dental professional before undergoing this procedure, ensuring long-term peace of mind and comfort.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. High bleaching agent concentrations, including carbamide and hydrogen peroxide, can cause this discomfort. Fortunately, it’s a temporary sensation that dissipates, especially upon treatment discontinuation.
Tooth sensitivity manifests as a sharp, fleeting discomfort while brushing, eating, or drinking. However, it may feel different after teeth whitening. Please discuss unusual post-procedure sensations with your practitioner, who can prescribe the appropriate intervention.
You can prevent tooth sensitivity by choosing a trusted dental practitioner. To help soothe the discomfort, we recommend avoiding hot or cold foods and drinks immediately after treatment.
Gum Irritation
At-home bleaching kits may cause gum irritation. Dental professionals consider this sensation a chemical burn, similar to a sunburn. In this scenario, the gums turn white, inflame, or feel sore. However, it’s also a temporary discomfort just like tooth sensitivity. The uncomfortable sensation usually lasts less than 24 hours.
Hydrogen peroxide, a common teeth-whitening bleach, can burn gums. Fortunately, many whitening toothpastes do not have bleaching agents, so they are unlikely to cause gum irritation, especially if they don’t contain hydrogen peroxide.
People who prefer at-home bleaching products must read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid using excessive teeth whiteners.
Enamel Damage
Enamel is the outermost tooth layer that offers protection from decay or damage. Incorrect or excessive teeth whitening may damage the enamel, increasing sensitivity, discomfort, and white spots.
We encourage individuals to consult a highly skilled and experienced dentist to prevent enamel damage. Whether in-office or at-home bleaching, your practitioner’s guidance can make a profound difference. He can prescribe appropriate teeth whitening strategies without harming your enamel, ensuring sound, long-term dental health.
Pre-Treatment Precautions
We strongly recommend consulting a reputable dentist who can create a customised teeth whitening strategy for you. This cosmetic dental procedure can achieve your desired objectives. However, please remember that possible risks and side effects may occur, including tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel damage.
Your trusted practitioner can prescribe alternative minimal-risk natural remedies or interventions. Always follow any product’s instructions carefully and avoid overusing bleaching items, especially those with hydrogen peroxide. Finally, consistent oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist every six months, help extend teeth whitening benefits.
Teeth Whitening Aftercare
To achieve the optimum results, please treat teeth whitening as a long-term care procedure. We encourage you to practise consistent dental hygiene so your pearly whites remain sparkly over time.
Please avoid tooth-staining foods and drinks, including coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured fruits and vegetables, for at least two days after your procedure. Your dental practitioner may prescribe sensitivity toothpaste to soothe discomfort or sensitivity.
It bears repeating: regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups ensure optimum tooth and gum health. Your dentist may recommend follow-up treatments every few months to achieve long-term results.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can improve oral health and self-esteem. However, it has potential risks and side effects, including tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and enamel damage.
In-office treatments are usually safer than at-home bleaching techniques. Regardless of your preference, please take the necessary precautions, read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and avoid excessive use of teeth-whitening products.
Please contact us today to discuss your teeth whitening requirements. We offer new and existing patients free consultations to determine the best strategies for long-term dental health, a brighter smile, and improved self-esteem