Side Effects of Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is gaining popularity for people who want a brighter, whiter smile. There are numerous options available for whitening your smile, from toothpaste and over-the-counter products to professional tooth whitening procedures. Many people have no side effects from teeth whitening procedures, but there are many who do worsen many side effects.
Common Side Effects

The most common side effect of teeth whitening is increase tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity can occur when teeth are exposed to hot or cold foods and drinks or even the air. Typically this sensitivity is minor and'll not last longer than a couple of days.

Another side effect from tooth whitening is damage to the tooth enamel. People who use much bleaching agent can permanently damage their tooth enamel. This can happen to people who undergo teeth whitening procedures or use at-home kits more often than needed. It is important that you cautiously follow the instructions and usage guidelines if you are going to use an at-home bleaching kit.

Some people who have used teeth whitening kits or had a procedure done may suffer from gum irritation or irritation of different soft tissue in the mouth. This irritation occurs due to prolonged exposure to the bleaching agents used in tooth whitening.

Another side effect of tooth whitening, though not as common as the others, is nausea or upset stomach. This happens to people who use the at-home whitening kits, which do not have as many safeguard to prevent ingestion of the bleaching gel.

Will You Experience Side Effects?

Not everyone will experience side effects from teeth whitening products or procedures. There are some common characteristics of people who are more likely to develop tooth or mouth sensitivity after using a bleaching product. Some of these characteristics include:

• People who already experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages. Teeth whitening procedures may only exacerbate the sensitivity.

• People who partake in daily consumption of fruit juice or citrus fruits.

• People who drink carbonated beverages daily.

• People who suffer from tooth sensitivity after their standard dental cleanings.

Things to Consider

It is almost always important to consult your dentist before beginning any tooth whitening procedure. Things to keep in mind while deciding on the best whitening plan are:

• Do you have any dental work in the front area of your mouth? If you do, there is a chance that you won't get the whitening results you desire, or you could end up with spotty or streaky results. • Do you currently have sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages? It is important to remember that tooth whitening can sometimes increase the amount of sensitivity you feel.

• Do you have receding gums? The bleaching agents used in whitening products and procedures can irritate the tender tissue in the mouth, such as your gums.

• Are you allergic to peroxide? Most commercial and professional bleaching products contain peroxide. If you have an allergy to peroxide, it is important to find an alternate method.