Side Effects of Teeth Whitening Treatment

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental treatment. The main causes of staining include food, drink, smoking, and other lifestyle factors. Getting your teeth whitened is generally safe when supervised by a dentist, but like most treatments, the teeth whitening procedure can come with side effects. In this article we will overview how teeth whitening works, make you aware of potential risks and how to prepare for this popular cosmetic dental procedure. Below, we'll learn more about teeth whitening and how you can achieve results, making your teeth shine brighter with every smile.

What is teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is generally understood to be a dental procedure that brightens the color of teeth. Many get it done to improve their appearance as it can boost their self-confidence whilst increasing self-esteem. It won't make teeth pure white, but it can certainly lighten teeth to make the smile appear brighter when trying to remove stains. Furthermore, it is better than most toothpastes or any over-the-counter teeth bleaching agents.

The most common active ingredients in whitening treatments are hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This may also vary depending on the type of product. For example, professional treatment would include trays, but over-the counter could be strips, or even toothpaste, the more cost-effective alternative options. These are just a few ways to whiten your teeth. 

Treatments are available from dental professionals as in-office teeth whitening or customized home kits prescribed by a dentist. These are generally considered to be safe and effective. Over-the-counter products and bleaching agents are also available, but typically contains lower concentration of bleaching agent like peroxide.

How does teeth whitening work?

Teeth whitening involves applying a whitening gel or strip across the teeth. Once applied, the peroxide penetrates the enamel, affecting the surface of your teeth. Within the enamel and the next layer, called the dentin, are rod-like structures called dentinal tubules. These can be affected by at-home whitening or bleaching products.

It is in these where items get trapped such as foods. Other causes of discoloring include smoking, medications, injury, and aging. The oxygen molecules from the peroxide work to break the chemical bonds of the trapped pigments, effectively bleaching the teeth.

In order to improve the results, professional teeth whitening treatments use 15-40% higher peroxide concentrations. This allows for deeper penetration within the tooth structure to access those trapped compounds, remove the tougher marks and improve the appearance of them.

Moreover, professional teeth whitening is a safer option, with little chance of any infection and enhances the appearance of your teeth in a safer environment.

After several applications, you will notice the whitening procedure gradually removing layers of stains. Results may begin to show after just a few sessions, but this also depends on how strong the stains are, and of what kind. However, for the best results, you would need to complete the full course.

Potential side effects of teeth whitening treatment

There are a potential risks and side effects associated with teeth whitening while receiving professional treatment. However, increased tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are common risks that can occur pre and post treatment. Should you experience any of these feelings, it is important you inform your dentist.

Other rare side effects that cause tooth sensitivity are also a possibility, like enamel damage or allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive teeth. We'll now look at these risks and potential side effects.

Teeth sensitivity

One such side effect is tooth sensitivity. It is the most common side effect associated with the whitening process. Of those that undergo whitening, over 60% have complained of having experienced this side effect. This may also vary depending on the bleaching concentration.

Increased sensitivity may occur when the peroxide seeps into the enamel and dentin layers, reaching the inner pulp chamber of the tooth where you find the nerve endings and blood vessels. However, once treatment is completed, the pain should also go away. Should you still experience sensitive teeth as a result of the process, inform your dentist or dental professional immediately. 

This can lead to severe pain by those who may already be suffering from issues. The likes of cracks, worn enamel, cavities, leaky fillings, sensitive gums or exposed root surfaces can irritate any individual. This is due to increased exposure of the dentin layer.

Gum irritation

Over a third of those who get their teeth-whitened encounter some gum irritation during the process. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discomfort of the surrounding gum area around the teeth.

When Peroxide-based gels get in contact with the gum, it can lead to gum irritation and even gum disease. This usually subsides not long after the treatment is completed. It is important that you seek treatment from qualified professionals and also keep them updated of any such side effects to avoid risk of gum irritation.

Damage to tooth enamel

Too much peroxide gel can damage the tooth enamel through erosion. This tends to happen with increased or amateur treatment by inexperienced professionals. The gel impacts the outer coating of your teeth which is needed to prevent damage and decay. This includes staining, hypersensitivity, fractures, and cavities. Therefore, affecting not only the health, but also the appearance of the teeth.

Nevertheless, through careful treatment and professionally-administered dental application, you can avoid any damage and reduce the risk of enamel erosion. While it is suggested that whitening strips pose less of a risk to the enamel, this method isn't as effective when it comes to teeth whitening.

Allergic reactions

On the odd occasion, some users may report an allergic reaction to the treatment, dental or otherwise, they received. This may include certain symptoms like itching, redness, swelling, rashes, and pus blisters. This is sometimes caused by products such as urea from the breakdown of peroxides.

it is important that you declare any allergies you may have to the dentist prior to receiving treatment as peroxide-related allergies are more likely to occur to those with existing sensitivities. Immediately report any reactions you feel coming on to the dentist or oral health professional. 

Over-whitening

It is easy to get carried away and end up with 'whiter than white' teeth, taking away from achieving a natural look. Over-whitened teeth can lead to an opaque, chalky, or unnatural appearance, as increasing translucency occurs.

Another reason for seeking the correct dentist or dental professional to be treated by is due to aggressive or improper whitening techniques. This can lead to over-dry teeth, as over time, it removes too much underlying pigmentation and structure. This can create an over-bleached appearance by permanently altering the light refraction. Therefore, it is imperative that you abide by the timetable set out by the dentist and his treatment plan.

Precautions before starting teeth whitening

• Be sure to have a check-up pre-treatment so any existing issues can be treated (cavities, loose fillings) and create custom trays to reduce sensitivity during the whitening process

• It is advised that any women who maybe pregnant or are currently breastfeeding should avoid teeth whitening due to potential mercury exposure, as well as risks related to absorption issues which would be damaging for the baby. Speak with your dentist or dental professional before choosing to undergo treatment.

• Anyone under the age of 16 should also wait for their teeth to full develop, as this may interfere with the enamel that has not completed matured and weaken its development. This age group must also be closely monitored to avoid ingestion of the gel, which can have an impact on the digestive tract.

• There are some stains that cannot come off just from teeth whitening. These can include white spot lesions from fluorosis, or even tetracycline staining, caused by antibiotics prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Inform the dentist or dental professional before commencing treatment. 

• It is imperative that all instructions provided by the dental professional are followed. Some individuals want instant results, but for the best outcome, you have to be patient. Over-consumption of gels or applying them for prolonged periods means it may take longer to see results. It is always best to whiten your teeth gradually over multiple sessions as opposed to attempting it all in one go.

Conclusion

In conclusion, teeth whitening is an effective way of combating stained teeth, but in order to achieve the best results, it is important that any treatment is administered by a dental professional or dentist. Even with this, side effects can often occur. This ranges from the common, like short-term sensitivity and gum irritation, to the more serious but rare effects like damage to the enamel or an allergic reaction.

However, it is important you maintain the basics like oral health and good dental care. Your dentist can also advise on the necessary precautions pre-treatment. Furthermore, by paying attention to the after-care, you can reduce the chances of any of these side-effects from occurring, while achieving the desired results. To help improve results, avoid extreme whitening. Instead, opt for the more natural and less-damaging look. By lightening your teeth gradually and by just a few shades, you can achieve that brighter smile you always wanted.