Does Teeth Whitening Cause any Dental Problems?
Many people avoid smiling because their pearl white teeth have turned to a faint yellow color. A bright white smile boosts confidence and makes one feel more attractive. For these reasons, the demand for teeth whitening is skyrocketing.
But what causes teeth to be yellow? Both internal and external factors cause yellowing of the teeth, which are referred to as intrinsic and extrinsic stains. Some foods and drinks like coffee, tea. Citric fruits, candy, and alcohol can cause teeth discoloration. Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco usage can also lead to extrinsic stains.
Many are considering whitening their teeth with the hope of revitalizing their smiles. Several solutions are available, and only a dentist can guide a person to the best. However, beyond “what is the best teeth-whitening product available?” many people don’t stop to think about the possible problems associated with this cosmetic dental procedure.
As aforementioned, a white smile can boost confidence, make an individual look younger, feel more attractive, and appealing. This has led to the growing demand for teeth whitening. But there are drawbacks to this procedure. While there are several options to choose from, they present unique and varying risk levels. Still, whitening can be done safely, but patients may experience some problems, such as:
The elements used in teeth whitening may cause sensitivity in some patients resulting in gum irritation. This may go away after some time, but it’s recommended to consult a dentist immediately to avoid further problems. Dentists also advise people with implants, bridges, crowns, and dentures to discuss the available options with a professional before undergoing this cosmetic procedure.
Teeth whitening products penetrate deep into the enamel, and, in some cases, people experience increased sensitivity. The peroxide in most whitening gels can erode the enamel and irritate the dental nerves causing sensitivity. Symptoms of heightened sensitivity include short but sharp pains, especially when one takes hot or cold drinks and food.
Sometimes when the whitening solution touches the gums repeatedly, it causes a chemical burn leading to inflammation and severe pain.
It’s worth noting that most dental problems associated with teeth whitening are temporary and usually disappear after 48 hours. Also, general treatment and care such as brushing gently, using sensitive toothpaste, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers may help.
Patients with exposed roots, cavities, and deeply eroded enamel should seek help before teeth whitening to avoid more severe dental problems. In addition, individuals with dental fillings and crowns cannot undergo this procedure.
Teeth whitening is the highest-ranking cosmetic dentistry in demand. So to avoid the associated risks, it’s vital to consider ways of doing it without damaging them. There are two basic ways of teeth whitening, extrinsic and intrinsic whitening.
Extrinsic whitening involves using mild abrasives to eliminate stains from the outer surface. It brings out the color underneath the stain without changing the teeth’ color. On the other hand, intrinsic whitening involves using a bleaching agent to change enamel color. The most commonly used agent, in this case, is peroxide.
Determining the best way and how fast to whiten teeth is always at the dentist’s discretion. Remember, most tooth damage is permanent. Don’t make mistakes with teeth whitening. It’s highly recommended always to consult a dentist before whitening. Also, a person should highly consider other professional dental care methods such as proper hygiene, and regular dental checkups, among others.
In many cases, people with stained teeth are looking for speedy remedies. A quick internet search for “how can I whiten my teeth in 1 minute?” will yield several results. Several home teeth whitening remedies exist, such as using activated charcoal, hydrogen peroxide, white strips, and baking soda, including others. Still, teeth whitening should safely be under professional consultation with a dentist. It’s the quickest and safest way of dental whitening.
This is a common question for many patients looking for teeth whitening options. Most whitening strips are store-bought but work only to a certain degree. The whitening elements used by professionals are considerably lower in white strips. However, only in-office dental whitening procedures work effectively.
Besides failing to whiten the teeth effectively, white strips can cause other dental problems. They can cause gum damage through chemical reactions hurting tissues. Whitening strips can also cause yellow spots on the teeth. This happens since there is a minimal whitening effect in strips, and only some parts, such as the edges, may whiten, leaving other areas with yellow spots.
Like every other whitening procedure, if a person considers using white strips, it’s highly recommended to seek professional advice from a dentist first.
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