Teeth Whitening Side Effects

WASHINGTON, DC, June 09, 2011 (Press-News.org) Year after year, tooth whitening is still the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure in the United States. Used alone, it can have a dramatic effect on the look of your smile. Used in conjunction with other cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as porcelain veneers, it can contribute to a complete smile makeover.

However, with so many different teeth whitening options on the market today, many patients are left confused about which ones are the safest and most effective, and what side effects are possible with each.

Tooth Sensitivity and Teeth Whitening

Every tooth whitening treatment uses a bleaching agent that contains hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate your mouth's soft tissues. If you already have sensitive teeth, you may experience increased sensitivity during tooth whitening treatment, whether it's an in-office procedure or a take-home kit. If this sensitivity becomes pronounced during an in-office tooth whitening session, your cosmetic dentist will stop the treatment and apply a de-sensitizing gel. This gel will be available in your take-home kit as well, to treat any lingering sensitivity after your in-office procedure.

The bleaching agent should never come into contact with your gums and lips; it should only touch your teeth. To prevent the whitening gel from causing undue discomfort, a skilled cosmetic dentist will isolate your teeth by way of a dental dam - a piece of rubber that covers your gums and lips to protect them from treatment, and keep the dentist's working area clean. If you are using a professional take-home treatment, the trays will be custom-molded to fit your teeth so any spillover is avoided.

The Dangers of Store-Bought Whitening Products

Most of the negative side effects commonly associated with tooth whitening happen when patients use over-the-counter whitening treatments instead of the professional options provided by experienced cosmetic dentists.

Many store-bought whitening gels contain a combination of hydrogen peroxide and other acids at concentrations that can potentially damage the protective enamel of your teeth. Used without supervision, patients risk accidentally exposing their teeth too long to these acids, stripping away their enamel and revealing the yellow dentin layer underneath.

Whitening toothpastes are another culprit, containing similarly abrasive ingredients that gradually damage teeth enamel. As your enamel thins, the yellow dentin will begin to show through more, ultimately defeating the whole purpose of the treatment.

The whitening trays that often come with store-bought treatments aren't custom-molded to fit your teeth, either. Because of this, the harsh solutions in the bleaching agent may spill over onto your gums or lips, causing burning pain and discomfort. Spillover can also cause these solutions to enter your stomach.

Professional Tooth Whitening Makes a Difference

For all of these reasons, it's important to consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist prior to attempting tooth whitening on your own. Not only are professional tooth whitening options more effective than over-the-counter products, but your cosmetic dentist can supervise its application and help you ensure that your teeth don't suffer any undue damage or negative side effects.

If you want to brighten your smile safely and effectively, don't trust store-bought teeth whitening treatments or toothpastes. Instead, find a cosmetic dentist you trust in your area. Many cosmetic dentists offer several options for tooth whitening, including in-office whitening sessions, take-home trays and gels, and even professional whitening strips.

If you live in the Washington D.C. area or Northern Virginia, please visit the website of experienced Fairfax cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Chung at Softouch Dental Care for more information on tooth whitening at www.softouchdentalcare.com.