Teeth Whitening Procedure Risks

Teeth whitening can help improve your self-esteem and give you a brighter smile. However, it does not come without its risks and consequences.

This is a list of the common risks associated with this procedure:

• Gum irritation is a common annoyance associated with attempts to brighten teeth. This is often is a reaction to the bleaching agent (usually peroxide) or from direct contact with bleaching trays.
• Sometimes an occurrence often referred to as “Technicolor teeth,” which often results in dental crowns, bonding, restorations, or veneers remaining unaffected. This takes place as surrounding teeth are bleached a brighter shade.
• Pain or sensitivity often occurs after people receive oral brightening procedures. For instance, sometimes a sharp pain will shoot down from the middle of the front of the teeth. This risk is increased in people with recessed gums, cracks and breakage, or restoration leakage.

Tips to Reduce Risk

The good news is you can find a way to reduce tooth whitening risk. This involves being careful as you apply the solution that you use. For instance, keep in mind the following tips:

• If you are using the trays, do not use them for longer than recommended. This will reduce risk of soreness or irritation as well as other problems.
• If you use toothpaste designed for people with sensitive teeth that can help tremendously. These usually contain potassium nitrate, which helps relieve nerve endings.
• Sometimes a product with a high fluoride concentration is helpful. Although, you should consider this option with caution as it can lead to discoloration again.

Additional Tips

After you undergo a bleaching or whitening procedure, remember to remain dedicated to regular maintenance. The most important aspect of self-care is to make sure you brush your teeth on a regular basis.

Furthermore, make a concerted effort to reduce or eliminate the cause of the stain, or it will reappear. Tobacco and coffee are two of the biggest contenders, but you also should be careful about eating too much candy.

Furthermore, reduce or eliminate consumption of dark-colored sodas. If you do drink them, use a straw. Furthermore, reduce or eliminate consumption of alcohol, such as wine.

Types of Bleaching and Brightening

Some oral procedures used for this purpose are applied in a dental office. These are of the strongest concentration and often produce quicker outcomes.

However, some people prefer the convenience of the prescribed or over-the-counter treatments used at home. Usually the working ingredient of most teeth whitening procedures is carbamide or hydrogen peroxide.