Posted on June 07, 2024
Whitening your teeth can give you a brighter smile and even make you look years younger. So, who wouldn’t want a whiter and brighter smile? But still, whether you are considering professional whitening or at-home whitening products, you may be wondering about the possible side effects and whether too much whitening may be a bad thing.
Rest assured that tooth whitening is a very safe procedure, and most people experience little to no adverse effects. Nevertheless, when using any kind of chemicals, there is the potential for some side effects that you should be aware of.
Tooth sensitivity
Some patients notice that their teeth become sensitive during the whitening process and may remain that way for a short period of time afterwards. This is because the dentin layer of their teeth is being exposed to the whitening agents.
If you already have sensitive teeth, you should discuss this with your dentist before whitening your teeth, as they may be able to advise you on gentler options for teeth whitening and products that can help to reduce sensitivity.
Soft tissue irritation
Soft tissue irritation or chemical burn may occur if the gum tissue is exposed to the whitening solution. This is especially the case with a professional whitening solution.
When this occurs, the gum tissue usually appears white for a short time following the procedure. Patients are often alarmed by this white appearance of their gums, but fortunately, the colour returns to normal fairly quickly after the procedure.
Prolonged gum exposure to at-home whitening gels and solutions may also cause redness and inflammation. In extreme cases, there may be pain or even bleeding in the gum tissue.
Undesirable results
In some cases, you may not be able to achieve the result that you were hoping for from the teeth whitening process. If your teeth are heavily stained or if there is internal tooth discoloration, you may not notice any improvement from the whitening process.
Whitening your teeth too often may also give you undesirable results. It may cause your teeth to appear translucent or gray instead of the creamy white shade you desire for your smile.
Additionally, tooth whitening will not work on certain dental work, including fillings, crowns, and veneers.
Conclusion
While teeth whitening is generally safe and effective, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects and undesirable results of whitening too often. Before you decide to whiten your teeth, it is recommended that you speak to your dentist to ensure you are a good candidate for whitening.
From there, you can decide whether professional whitening or over-the-counter options are best for you.
Contact Creekview Dental today
Are you considering getting your teeth whitened? Get professional advice from one of our dentists. Call us today to make an appointment.