Teeth Whitening at Hosfinder Clinic: Enhance Your Smile Safely.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure because it can make your smile brighter by lightening your teeth by several shades.
Like other dental treatments, teeth whitening also carries some risks. Fortunately, these side effects are usually mild, such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Before whitening your teeth, you should discuss the possible risks and side effects with your dentist.
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
This dental procedure is a safe and effective way to lighten the color of your teeth. It uses whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to remove stains and discoloration from the surface of your teeth.
This process can restore your teeth’s natural color or even make them a few shades lighter. Depending on the individual, the effects can last from six months to up to two or three years.
There are several reasons why your teeth may become stained or discolored over time, including:
- Drinking coffee, tea, red wine, or soda
- Smoking or using other tobacco products
- Consuming certain foods (like blueberries)
- Taking certain medications (such as tetracycline)
- Failing to maintain proper dental hygiene
- Aging
However, remember that there are two main types of teeth whitening: in-office and at-home. A dentist usually performs professional in-office whitening at a dental clinic, typically in an hour or less and often in a single session.
On the other hand, at-home teeth whitening involves a do-it-yourself approach using a whitening kit. This generally includes wearing a mouthpiece filled with whitening gel for a specified period (usually 30 minutes to an hour) daily or nightly for up to two weeks. You can obtain this whitening product from a dentist or purchase it over the counter.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The bleaching agents used in teeth whitening work by breaking down into oxygen molecules. These oxygen molecules then penetrate the enamel of your teeth, breaking apart stains and discoloration to make them appear brighter and whiter.
There are two types of whitening agents that can be used in this procedure:
- Hydrogen peroxide. This is a more potent whitening agent than carbamide peroxide, providing faster results but potentially causing more tooth sensitivity.
- Carbamide peroxide. It breaks down into hydrogen peroxide, making it less potent than pure hydrogen peroxide. As a result, it may take longer to see results, but it is also less likely to cause tooth sensitivity.
What Are the Risks of Teeth Whitening?
This procedure is generally considered safe. However, like any dental treatment, you should be aware of the possible risks and side effects before whitening your teeth. These include:
Tooth Sensitivity
This typically occurs when the whitening agents penetrate the enamel too deeply, exposing the dentin. Dentin is the layer beneath the enamel, which is softer and more porous. It helps support the tooth structure and protects the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels.
When your dentin is exposed, your teeth may become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, as well as sugary and acidic foods. This sensitivity is usually temporary and should subside once the whitening agents are removed.
If you experience tooth sensitivity after the treatment, try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth or rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve discomfort. If sensitivity persists, consult your dentist.
Gum Irritation
Gum irritation can occur when whitening agents come into contact with your gums. It may cause redness, swelling, and pain. This usually resolves on its own within a few days, but you can try rinsing with salt water or applying a topical numbing gel to relieve discomfort.
If you have gum disease, you may be more prone to gum irritation after whitening your teeth because the whitening agents can irritate your gums and cause inflammation.
Over-Whitening
This is most commonly seen with at-home treatments, as patients tend to overuse whitening agents for faster results. Over-whitening can make your teeth appear translucent and make the yellowish color of your dentin more visible. It can also cause your teeth to look blue or gray.
To prevent this, talk to your dentist about how often you should whiten your teeth and which concentration of whitening agent is right for you. Your dentist can also help determine how long to leave the whitening agent on your teeth.
Burns and Blisters
In rare cases, whitening agents can cause burns or blisters on your gums. This usually happens when the gel stays on your teeth for too long or is applied incorrectly.
If you develop burns or blisters on your gums after whitening, rinse your mouth with cold water and apply a topical numbing gel. If the pain persists, see your dentist.
Allergic Reactions
In some cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the whitening agents used in teeth whitening. This can cause symptoms such as:
Hives
Difficulty breathing
Swelling of the face, lips, and tongue
If you experience any of these symptoms after whitening your teeth, contact your dentist or doctor immediately.
Nausea
In another rare case, teeth whitening can cause nausea. This usually occurs if you swallow some of the whitening agents during the procedure.
If you experience nausea after whitening your teeth, drink plenty of fluids and try eating bland foods.
Rough Teeth
Unfortunately, this treatment can also cause your teeth to feel rough. This usually happens when the whitening agents stay on the teeth for too long.
If your teeth feel rough after whitening, try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth or rinsing your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve discomfort. If it persists, consult your dentist.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Although there are a few risks associated with teeth whitening, the procedure is generally safe when performed by a professional. They are trained and certified to properly apply the whitening agents and know how long to leave them on your teeth.
If you have gum problems and are considering teeth whitening, consult your dentist first to determine if it is safe for you.
Can I Get Teeth Whitening If I Have Gum Disease?
There are various types of gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild form that can be reversed with proper dental hygiene. However, periodontitis is a more severe form that can damage the gums and the bones supporting the teeth.
If you have gum disease, you may want to avoid teeth whitening because the whitening agents used in the procedure can irritate your gums and worsen the problem. Consider treating your gum problem first, or inform your dentist so they can plan the best approach for your condition.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
People with healthy gums and teeth are generally good candidates for this dental treatment. However, certain conditions may make you unsuitable for the procedure, including:
Pregnant women
Children under 16
Individuals with gum disease
Those with tooth decay
People with sensitive teeth
Individuals allergic to the active ingredients in whitening products (such as peroxide)
During your dental visit, your dentist will inform you if you have any of these conditions and provide professional advice on what to do next.
What Are the Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening?
There are many benefits of having your teeth professionally whitened, including:
Long-lasting results
Less risk of side effects
Improved self-esteem
Quick procedure
Personalized treatment
Better oral health
Cost-effective in the long run
Professional advice from your dentist
How to Maintain Your Teeth After Whitening?
To maintain the whiteness of your teeth after the treatment, consider the following tips:
Brush your teeth regularly (at least twice a day)
Floss daily
Use a whitening toothpaste
Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables
Drink through a straw
Limit stain-causing foods and drinks (like coffee, tea, and red wine)
Avoid acidic foods and drinks (like citrus fruits)
Schedule routine cleanings and checkups with your dentist
