Disadvantages Of Tooth Whitening

What are the disadvantages of tooth whitening? Before you whiten your teeth, you need to be aware of the potential risks associated with tooth whitening.

Tooth whitening has become a big fad nowadays with people trying several home-based and professional teeth whitening methods to achieve a whiter smile. But there are some disadvantages of tooth whitening that you need to be aware of. The following are a lists of common side effects associated with teeth whitening.

1. Soreness of the Gums

One of the main disadvantages that most people experience with tooth whitening is soreness of the gums. While teeth whitening is completely safe, there are some cases of bleaching gel (a strong chemical) accidentally coming into contact with the gums. Since gums are soft, sensitive tissue, this can result in abrasions and sore spots appearing along the gum. Fortunately, the soreness of the gums are only temporary and will usually heal itself within a few days.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

Another common disadvantages of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. The enamel of your teeth can be weakened by the bleaching agents used during the whitening process and this can cause the teeth to be extra sensitive to temperature and pressure. Tooth sensitivity complaints are usually found in patients who have had an in-office tooth bleaching procedures done, since this method uses the highest concentration of peroxide to obtain the maximum effect in a short session.

Again, some people will be more severely affected than others but any sensitivity can be easily treated with painkillers or by applying a desensitizing or remineralization gel.

3. Swelling and Blistering

Professional in-office laser teeth whitening treatments have some unexpected disadvantages. Here, the method uses a very strong and powerful heat, light or laser to speed up the bleaching process to give the patient a whiter smile in a very short period of time, usually in an hour. However, during this treatment, if the lips are accidentially exposed to the heat, the laser whitening process can burn and blister the lips and the area around the lips. For some individuals, the swelling can last as short as one hour or as long as 2 weeks after the treatment.

Usually, rubbing some aloe vera on your lips a few times a day can help to reduce pain.

The above are some of the common disadvantages of tooth whitening but does that mean that teeth whitening are unsafe? Not necessarily. You can minimize the likelihood of any side effects or risk of teeth whitening when you take a few precautionary steps.

For in-office teeth bleaching or laser teeth whitening, always consult with your dentist first to make sure you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. You should avoid teeth whitening if you have gums that are in poor condition, have mouth ulcers, wear braces, have decayed teeth, have roots that are exposed or have jaw problems.

For at home teeth whitening, go for ADA or FDA approved teeth whitening kits and make sure you follow the directions exactly, including the time that you should leave the mouth trays on your teeth. Leaving it for longer than recommended won’t make your teeth any whiter. It will just expose your teeth to more potential damage.

As long as you take care to follow the directions and don’t use too much of the bleaching gel or let it drip while applying it, you should be safe from any of the disadvantages of tooth whitening and experience no side effects.

Related Topics:

Teeth Whitening Dangers
What are the dangers and risks of teeth whitening?

Laser Teeth Whitening
Information about professional laser teeth whitening.