Can Teeth Whitening Damage Your Teeth

Gleaming white smiles seem to be everywhere, from the ads you see online to the show you watch, making it natural to want to have a bright, white smile of your own. You aren’t alone in wanting a white smile, and there are many teeth whitening options available to make your dream a reality.

But, maybe you’ve been told that whitening your teeth can damage them, making you unsure if you should pursue teeth whitening. Our dentists here at Riverside Dental Care are here to tell you that, done correctly, teeth whitening will not damage your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Has Potential, Temporary Side-Effects

Now, just because teeth whitening products won’t damage your teeth, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any potential side-effects. There are some temporary side-effects that you may experience when you whiten your teeth, such as:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Gum irritation

Another issue is if you are doing your own teeth whitening without dentist supervision is that you have the potential to overdo it. If you use too much whitening gel, you can bleach your gums for a while, which can cause irritation and bleeding. There is also the potential for overly white teeth, where they look unnatural.

The one dental issue that may not be temporary is generally associated with using over-the-counter teeth whitening product. If you use the over-the-counter products incorrectly—such as leaving the bleaching products on too long—you may end up weakening the enamel of your teeth. Once weakened, the enamel does not grow back or recover.

That issue isn’t common, but it is a good reason to stick with the recommended usage of your whitening products.

Dental Issues Need To Be Resolved Before Whitening

Before you jump into any kind of teeth whitening, you need to have any dental issues you may have resolved. If you are experiencing gum disease, have any cavities, chips, or cracks in your teeth, these things need to be taken care of by our dentists.

Otherwise, you can experience painful dental sensitivity, and the hydrogen peroxide compound present in all teeth whitening products can interact badly with infected oral tissue.

What Teeth Whitening Options Are Available

There are several teeth whitening options available when you are ready to whiten your teeth, ranging from store-bought options to professional whitening, which we naturally recommend.

• In-office laser whitening – For fast whitening, coming in for our in-office laser whitening service is ideal. You can lighten your teeth noticeably with just one session, which no other type of whitening treatment can provide.
• At-home profession trays – With a whitening tray custom-fitted to your teeth, you can use the professional whitening formula our dentists provide from the comfort of your home. The custom fit will ensure that your teeth whiten evenly, and you can visit our office for a whitening gel refill.
• Whitening toothpaste – While only effective for temporary or mild dental stains, whitening toothpaste can help keep your smile bright after you complete your teeth whitening treatment.
• Over-the-counter trays and strips – There is a huge variety of over-the-counter teeth whitening trays and whitening strips. They aren’t as strong as the whitening you can get at our dental clinics and are generic-sized, so this option may not provide the teeth whitening coverage you are looking for.
• Veneers – If your teeth are stained in a way that can’t be corrected with the standard teeth whitening products, veneers are an excellent option. A thin layer of porcelain overlays your teeth, providing a brighter, whiter, and more even appearance.

Our dentists can make your teeth whitening dreams a reality. To consult with them about your whitening your teeth, contact us to set up a consultation appointment today.