Is Teeth Whitening Safe? What You Need to Know

There are many reasons why people want teeth whitening. Some have naturally yellow teeth due to aging, others have discolouration probably due to their diet or lifestyle, and 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 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, some potential side effects are associated with teeth whitening treatments. The good news is that these are manageable, especially when a dentist performs the procedure.

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 are considering teeth whitening treatments, it’s best to consult your Auburn dentist. They can prescribe desensitising toothpaste and even fluoride varnish to relieve tooth sensitivity. 

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 the treatment starts.

Safe teeth whitening treatments at your dentist

At My Local Dentists, we use Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening, which has been 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 essential 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, leaving the teeth looking clean and white. Most patients achieve several shades lighter. 

Is teeth whitening safe? – Key Takeaway

Teeth whitening is safe when done professionally by a dentist. While over-the-counter products might seem convenient, they lack the safeguards to ensure your oral health is ready for whitening.

Professional teeth whitening involves a thorough pre-treatment assessment to check for underlying issues and ensure your mouth is healthy.

Dentists use high-quality whitening agents and protective measures to shield your gums and minimise sensitivity, prioritising your comfort and safety. Unlike at-home kits, professional treatments are tailored to your needs, ensuring effective and risk-free results.

Professional teeth whitening is the finest solution for brightening your smile. Trust your Auburn dentist to provide the safest, most reliable treatment and give you the dazzling results you deserve.

Teeth Whitening in Auburn

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 upgrade your smile, schedule a teeth whitening treatment with My Local Dentists today! 

Call your Auburn dentist at (02) 8214 8999 or book online today.