Is Teeth Whitening Safe? Here’s What You Should Know

Is teeth whitening safe? Teeth whitening is treated as a cosmetic procedure but is actually a medical procedure and should always be performed by a dental professional. 

Teeth whitening treatments are one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures around. There appear to be many options, from whitening toothpaste to DIY whitening kits you can buy online. However, not all are created equal. 

Many off-the-shelf products have minimal whitening effects, while some products bought online may be of dubious origin and downright dangerous. To ensure teeth whitening treatments are administered safely, don’t take any chances. Instead, schedule an appointment with a dentist. 

Is Teeth Whitening Safe – What are the Dangers?

Correctly applied, teeth whitening is a secure and efficient approach to improve one’s smile. However, problems can arise when whitening treatments are used without professional guidance.

Many people seek teeth whitening for various reasons—perhaps you have a special event coming up, or maybe your teeth have yellowed due to coffee or wine consumption. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to be cautious. The wrong products or improper application of whitening agents can cause severe damage. For example, typical side effects include:

• Tooth sensitivity: Whitening agents can penetrate the enamel, causing increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
• Gum irritation: Chemicals in some whitening products can irritate or burn the gums, leading to pain and discomfort.
• Chemical burns: Rarely, improper use of whitening solid agents can lead to burns or severe irritation.

That said, choosing professional whitening treatments significantly minimises these risks. Dentists use regulated and safe products, and they perform thorough examinations before beginning any whitening procedure to ensure your gums and teeth are in sufficient condition for treatment.

Why You Should Choose Professional Teeth Whitening

One key benefit of visiting a dentist for teeth whitening is that you’re in the hands of a trained professional. Dentists can access more vital whitening agents than what’s available over the counter, leading to more dramatic and longer-lasting results. More importantly, they ensure your oral health isn’t compromised.

Before proceeding with any whitening treatment, your Northbridge dentist will:

• Conduct a comprehensive oral exam: Your Northbridge dentist will check for cavities, gum disease, or any other issues the whitening process could aggravate. They’ll also review any medical conditions or medicines you’re on that might affect your reaction to the treatment.
• Personalise the treatment: Whether you opt for in-office whitening or take-home trays, the treatment will be tailored to your unique requirements, delivering the greatest possible outcome while minimising danger.

What should you expect when undergoing teeth whitening treatments at the dentist?

First, a dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth and teeth to ensure you don’t have any cavities or other issues, such as gum disease, that might be exacerbated by whitening. They will also inquire about any medical conditions and medicines you’re taking that might affect how you react to peroxide, a common ingredient in teeth-whitening products. If you have cavities or gum disease, the dentist will treat these before you can have a whitening treatment.

Suppose you are a suitable candidate to have your teeth whitened. If so, chairside teeth whitening—which may be completed in about an hour in the dentist’s office and yield noticeable whitening results—might be recommended to you. Alternatively, some dentists offer at-home treatments where you wear custom-made trays containing whitening gel over your teeth every night for 2-3 weeks. These provide a much subtler effect, but you can re-use the trays and obtain more gel to keep the whitening effect topped up.

If you want to know if teeth whitening is safe, you can get the treatment at a dental office. The peroxide may cause slight tooth sensitivity, but this should disappear within days—although, in rare cases, it may last a week or two.

When teeth whitening won’t work

Although teeth whitening treatments can be very effective for most people, there are instances when they won’t work.

• Teeth whitening products are most effective when used to treat external stains on the teeth. So, internal stains caused by antibiotic staining will not be affected.
• Whitening is only effective on natural tooth enamel. If you have veneers, crowns, or another type of tooth restoration, they will not become lighter due to teeth whitening products.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe? – The Takeaway

Teeth whitening treatments are very safe in dental professionals’ skilled and reliable hands. Not only do dentists have access to stronger whitening agents than what is available over the counter, but because they are trained professionals, they can ensure that the process doesn’t negatively affect the health of your teeth or gums in any way. 

Teeth Whitening in Northbridge

Are you ready for a whiter, brighter smile in a safe environment? Come and talk to the team at My Local Dentists. 

Our experienced professionals are here to guide you through the teeth whitening process and ensure you get the best possible results.

Contact us today at (02) 9000 1383 to book your appointment and discover how professional teeth whitening can enhance your smile!

Visit us at Shop 20A Northbridge Plaza, 79-113 Sailors Bay Road in Northbridge.