Can Too Much Whitening Damage Teeth?

Who doesn’t want a brighter smile? With countless over-the-counter and D.I.Y. treatments available, everyone can whiten their teeth at home. 

Related Post: How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

However, if you’ve tried an at-home method and experienced tooth sensitivity or pain, you’re not alone. When whitening your teeth without professional services, you may be darkening or damaging their teeth. 

Dr. Derek R. Kaelin, D.D.S., and the team at Northside Dental suggest sticking with professional whitening.

Effects of Over-Whitening Your Teeth

A professional teeth whitening treatment is perfectly safe. However, as with most things in life, overdoing leads to negative outcomes. Excessive teeth whitening can damage teeth.

Darker Colored Teeth

Whitening your teeth with bleach causes the opposite effect: a dark, dull hue rather than a sparkling white gleam.

Increased Gum Sensitivity

Teeth whitening processes often use peroxide, which enhances tooth and gum sensitivity. This effect disappears once use stops.

Erosion of Enamel

Enamel is the protective barrier for teeth. Bleach will destroy enamel. If that wears down, the tooth can wear down, too, which might lead to more serious, long-lasting conditions like tooth decay and fracturing.

Can Teeth Whitening Damage Gums?  

While it is generally safe when administered by a trained professional, there are ways teeth whitening can damage gums if not done correctly.

Irritation 

One common way teeth whitening can affect gums is through chemical irritation. The bleaching agents used in whitening treatments, such as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, can contact the gums. This contact can lead to gum irritation, redness, and temporary discomfort. However, this irritation is usually short-lived, subsiding within a few days after the treatment.

Chemical Burns

More severe gum damage can occur if teeth whitening is performed improperly or by inexperienced individuals. Overly concentrated whitening agents or long treatment times can increase the risk of chemical burns on the gums, leading to blisters and tissue damage. 

Gum Recession 

Aggressive teeth whitening may cause gum recession, where the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the tooth roots. Gum recession can be more permanent and require additional dental procedures.

Related Post: Can Gum Recession be Reversed?

Discuss your concerns and expectations with your dentist to ensure a safe and effective teeth whitening experience.

Erosion of Enamel

Enamel is the protective barrier for teeth. Bleach destroys enamel. If that wears down, the tooth can wear down, too, which might lead to more serious, long-lasting conditions like tooth decay and fracture.

How to Safely Whiten Teeth

After reading, you might ask, ” So, is there a way to whiten teeth safely?” Yes! 

Achieving a brighter smile can be done safely with these methods:

• Professional whitening: The safest and most effective way to whiten teeth is through professional treatment at your dentist’s office. Dentists use high-quality whitening agents and carefully monitor the process to prevent damage to your teeth and gums.
• Custom whitening trays: Your dentist can create custom-fitted trays at home. These trays ensure even application of the whitening gel and minimize contact with your gums, reducing the risk of irritation.
• Whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains. They contain mild abrasives that polish teeth and gentle chemicals that break down stains. However, they don’t change the natural color of your teeth as much as professional treatments.

Schedule Your Dental Whitening Appointment Today

The safest way to accomplish a brighter, whiter smile is to schedule an appointment with your dentist’s office. Northside Dental Clinic offers patients three options for teeth whitening: instant, in-house options, and even take-home packages. To schedule an appointment, call (417) 862-2468.