While having an impressive set of white teeth is highly desired, this, too, like many other good things, comes at a cost: side effects.
People are different, and some people may be more prone to certain side effects due to their sensitivity to tooth whitening chemicals. So it is in your best interest to speak with your dentist about your situation beforehand. Your dentist can also recommend the best professional teeth whitening gels with the least degree of side effects. Although some persons may experience no side effects after teeth whitening, others may experience some of the following:
Common side effects associated with teeth whitening
Teeth sensitivity
This is the most common side effect experienced during and after the whitening procedure. This sensitivity is caused when the dentin layer is exposed during the process. If you already have sensitive teeth, ensure you first speak with a dentist and seek professional advice on the best teeth whitening products that are suitable for your condition. Your dentist can also recommend certain products that can be applied after the procedure to help suppress the increased sensitivity.
Irritation of soft tissue
This irritation is also known as a chemical burn and occurs when your gums, skin, or lips get into contact with the whitening gel. When this happens, the color of your gum will immediately go whitish. It is common to see patients getting very alarmed by this strange occurrence, but it is not as bad as it seems. The soft tissue will go back to its normal state after a short time unless there is prolonged exposure of the gum to the whitening solution. This irritation is caused by a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the bleaching solution, and prolonged exposure to it can result in redness or inflammation of the areas it is in contact with.
In very severe cases of soft tissue irritation due to over prolonged exposure to the chemical, the patient may develop bleeding and painful gum. This condition usually disappears within a few days.
Pain and discomfort
If you already feel sensitivity or pain in your teeth when eating or drinking certain foods and drinks, you likely would experience some level of discomfort when the teeth whitening solution is applied to your teeth. As have been said, ensure you notify your dentist about your situation (if any) before doing teeth whitening.
Increased sensitivity to hot and cold food/drinks
After teeth whitening procedure, you may experience sharp sensitivity when drinking cold liquids or eating hot foods. This is perfectly normal and would subside on its own after a short while. If you cannot withstand it, using anti-sensitivity products would do the trick.
Other cases
The results of whitening your teeth may not be what you hoped for if your teeth already have internal discoloration and heavy staining. For such cases, the whitening gel would not suffice to go deep into your teeth to remove such internal stains, so there would be very little changes in the shade of your teeth. In addition to the above, patients having caps, crowns, or fillings on their teeth should not expect to see any changes no matter the quality of teeth whitening gel they use. The solution won’t work on artificial implants.
Causes of teeth sensitivity and other side effects of teeth whitening
Teeth sensitivity during and after the whitening procedure is as a result of the hydrogen peroxide present in the solution. Some people have a higher sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide than others, and whitening gels with a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide are likely to cause more teeth sensitivity. Most over-the-counter whitening products contain low levels of hydrogen peroxide, so they require frequent applications. It can potentially wear off the protective layer of the teeth (the enamel), thus exposing the internal yellowish dentin layer of the teeth and making them sensitive. However, most likely you won’t see any difference from using over the counter products because the concentration of the main chemicals is too low to remove discoloration.
Also, most over-the-counter whitening products are manufactured cheaply and may not consider the nature of your teeth. They may be packed in such a way that they easily spread onto your gums and lips. It may irritate your gums, lips, and even throat (if swallowed).
How to avoid the side effects of teeth whitening
As have been said, lots of over-the-counter products are manufactured without taking the individual characteristics of your teeth into consideration, and this is why professional teeth whitening gels are recommended. Professional teeth whitening gels, although more expensive, are your best choice if you want to avoid health complications and getting a good result.
Teeth sensitivity may still be felt regardless, and you should stay away from overly hot and cold drinks after having a teeth whitening procedure. A de-sensitizing gel may also be given or recommended by your dentist.
Soft tissue irritation can also be avoided by using cheek retractor and gum barrier, it helps to prevent the gums from getting into contact with the bleaching solution.
Bottom line
Having a set of white teeth can serve to boost your confidence, but it is highly recommended to you consult with your dentist before undergoing a teeth whitening procedure to discuss the possible side effects and how to avoid them. Most of these side effects are nothing to worry about and normally dissipate within 48 hours. If you have a history of sensitivity or allergies, ensure you tell about your situation to your dentist. The doctor can choose the best options suited for you, and necessary steps to avoid side effects that accompany teeth whitening.
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