Teeth Whitening Side Effects
Few features make a better impression than a stunningly clean and white smile - but even with the best dental hygiene routine, habits like smoking and black coffee can leave teeth stained, dim, and discolored. Because of this, thousands of people over the years have turned to teeth whitening treatments to enhance their smiles and improve their quality of life.
Since tooth whitening is a noninvasive procedure that can be completed within a single visit, few people think about the potential side effects - or would guess that there are even potential side effects to worry about at all. But just like any procedure, Dr. Craig Goldin, of Plano’s Cosmetic Dentistry Institute, is sure to make his patients aware of possible teeth whitening side effects.
Temporary Teeth Whitening Side Effects
Most side effects of teeth whitening treatments are temporary, and will fade within hours or days. These side effects can occur due to the nature of the bleaching agents used to whiten the teeth, whether you are receiving professional teeth whitening treatments at a cosmetic dentistry office or performing treatments yourself with an at-home tooth whitening kit.
- Gum Irritation: Your gums may become temporarily red and irritated from contact with tooth whitening agents, but this side effect should subside within a few hours or days of treatment.
- Tooth Sensitivity: A very common side effect of tooth whitening treatments is increased tooth sensitivity. You may experience heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods for up to a few days after your treatment, but this should disappear soon after. If you already live with sensitive teeth, it is important to let your dentist know prior to any tooth whitening procedure. The more informed your dentist is about your situation, the better decisions he or she can make to protect your dental structure and guard against more serious side effects such as nerve damage.
Long Lasting Teeth Whitening Side Effects
While most side effects of teeth whitening treatments are only temporary, constant and excessive bleaching with chemicals that are too harsh for your dental enamel can cause negative side effects that may last much longer. While teeth whitening treatments often cause temporary tooth sensitivity, in some rare cases the treatment can induce permanent nerve damage and sensitivity.
While the goal of teeth whitening treatments is brighter and whiter teeth, too much bleaching can actually cause discoloration and even translucence as the enamel wears away. If this is caught soon enough, this side effect can sometimes be reversed with an enamel-strengthening fluoride mouthwash. Too much damage may require porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
These side effects are very rare, but a good cosmetic dentist will make patients aware of the potential and carefully monitor teeth whitening treatments for the best results.
Learn More about Your Teeth Whitening Options Today
When it comes to protecting your teeth against the negative effects of teeth whitening, the most important step you can take is finding a highly skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist who is able to obtain the best results possible. The team at the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute has helped hundreds of patients achieve the dazzling smile they’ve been waiting for. Contact the Cosmetic Dentistry Institute to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for teeth whitening treatments today.
