There are many reasons why people want to have teeth whitening. Some have naturally yellow teeth due to aging, others have discolouration probably due to their diet or lifestyle, while others just want a fresher look with a more radiant smile.
Whatever your reason, the first thing you should ask before getting your teeth whitened is, “Is teeth whitening safe?” Let us answer that for you today.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process that bleaches the teeth to a lighter shade. It involves the use of whitening chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Over the years, teeth whitening products have taken many forms, including whitening strips, gels, pens, and toothpaste, which can be easily found in your local store.
Professional teeth whitening treatments are available at most dentists and often include laser-accelerated treatments and take-home whitening kits. Compared to over-the-counter teeth whitening products, these use a more potent concentration of bleaching gel for speedy and long-lasting whitening results.
So, is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, teeth whitening is safe, provided the user follows the instructions on the packet and limits the number of times they whiten their teeth over any given period.
However, there are a couple of potential side effects associated with teeth whitening treatments. The good news is that these are manageable, especially when a dentist carries out teeth whitening.
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Teeth sensitivity
This is perhaps the most common side effect of teeth whitening. It happens because the whitening gel is acidic. So when acid seeps into the tooth, pain and sensitivity sensations are triggered.
If you already have sensitive teeth and you are considering teeth whitening treatments, it’s best to consult with your dentist. They can prescribe desensitising toothpaste and even fluoride varnish to relieve tooth sensitivity.
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Gum irritation
Because of the chemicals involved in teeth whitening, redness and inflammation of the gums may occur if they are not protected. For this reason, a protective material is used to cover the lips and gums during laser teeth whitening before we start the treatment.
Safe teeth whitening treatments at your dentist
At My Local Dentists, we use Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening, which is clinically proven to whiten teeth by up to 8 shades lighter in just 45 minutes!
The process starts with a thorough examination of your oral health. We will check for cavities and gum disease and treat them before beginning teeth whitening. It’s also important that our dentist is aware of your medical history and possible allergic reactions to the chemicals involved.
Before beginning treatment, the gums and lips are covered, leaving only the teeth exposed. A layer of whitening gel is applied to the front surface of the teeth and left for 15 minutes. This process is repeated twice more, making a total of 45 minutes. Additionally, a high-intensity LED light is shone onto the teeth to activate the process and help the bleach flow more freely into the pores of the teeth.
The peroxide in the whitening gel breaks up the stain molecules and lightens them to leave the teeth looking clean and white. Most patients achieve several shades lighter.
Is teeth whitening safe? – Key Takeaway
Teeth whitening is safe, provided it’s not overdone. However, the best option is teeth whitening from your local dentist for the most effective results. The pre-procedure process ensures your mouth is healthy and provides a risk-free treatment. Moreover, protective measures are strictly followed during the procedure because we will always prioritise your comfort and safety.
Are you considering teeth whitening?
You can trust the highly-skilled and reliable hands of our experienced dentists to give you a whiter and brighter smile. So if you’re ready to get your smile upgrade, schedule an appointment with My Local Dentists today for your teeth whitening treatment!
References
PubMed – Changes of tooth color in middle and old age: A longitudinal study over a decade
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28858417/
NCBI – Tooth Whitening: What We Now Know
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/
PubMed – Incidence of tooth sensitivity after home whitening treatment
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12198987/
NCBI – Effectiveness of two different desensitising varnishes in reducing tooth sensitivity: a randomised double-blind clinical trial
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5159937/
Philips – How to whiten your teeth in-office with Philips Zoom
https://www.usa.philips.com/c-m-pe/teeth-whitening/zoom-in-office