Tooth Whitening

Introduction to Tooth Whitening

Tooth Whitening in the Office

Teeth Whitening Stats

Tooth Whitening Strips Review

Tooth Whitening Mystery

Tooth Whitening Toothpaste Review

General Review Notes

Tooth Whitening Article Archive - 1

Tooth Whitening Article Archive - 2

Tooth Whitening Article Archive - 3

Tooth Whitening Site Map

Is Tooth Whitening Safe?

Tooth whitening is relatively safe as long as the whole procedure is supervised by a professional cosmetic dentist and the patient conscientiously follows all instructions. There are, however, two known side effects due to tooth whitening: “tooth thermal sensitivity” and “gingival irritation”.

Both of these side effects eventually disappear after the whitening treatment is done. On rare occasions, some patients would feel sore throat, toothache, and headache. Severe side effects often results from overuse of whitening gels and without the guidance of dentists.

Tooth thermal sensitivity refers to the sensitivity of the tooth to either hot (coffee) or cold food (ice cream). You would feel that your teeth have been somewhat painfully grinded. If, even before you had your teeth bleached, you already have tooth thermal sensitivity, it is likely that this sensitivity would increase.

If having your teeth cleaned also results in tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food, it is also likely that you would feel the same side effect after having your teeth whitened. Dental theory explains that tooth sensitivity occurs when the tooth enamel (made of hydroxyapatite crystals) is not as compact as it should be.

To alleviate this condition, dentists suggest that you use fluoride toothpastes. The fluoride will form fluorapatite, a stronger substance than hydroxyapatite, in the teeth enamel. This is how sensitive teeth is desensitized.

The usual gel used in tooth whitening has ten percent carbamide peroxide and this concentration cannot damage the enamel at all. But if the tooth discoloration is severe, the dentist may use higher concentrations of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. To prevent damage to the enamel, whitening gels with higher peroxide concentrations also contain fluoride.

Gingival or gum irritation happens as the gum’s reaction to the active whitening ingredient. This is a natural reaction. Thus, during whitening sessions, the dentist places a protective rubber shield on the gum to avoid it having contact with the whitening gel.

If, during the procedure, you would feel gum irritation, the dentist would reduce the frequency of the tooth whitening. For example, if the original plan was to have daily whitening daily, this schedule would changed to every other day.

Some people fear that the peroxides may cause cancer. This is due to the fact that the peroxides can release “free radicals”, which can cause cellular damage. But no studies have supported this. Instead, it has been found that the saliva can neutralize a significant amount of the peroxide.

Tooth whitening gels do not affect the nerve of the tooth and a root canal treatment is not necessary. For more concerns about side effects, the best action is to always discuss this with your dentist.