Teeth Whitening: Side Effects Of A Bright White Smile | Ear, Nose, Throat, and Dental problems slideshows | Body & Health Conditions center

Most people experience little to no side effects

Everyone wants to have pearly white teeth that bring out their best smile but these do come with a price. Regular brushing does not guarantee that one will have whiter teeth, and special procedures must be done to remove tough stains or reduce yellowing of the teeth. Teeth whitening is considered to be a safe way of improving one's self-image. These short procedures may be done by a professional in a dentist’s office, or one can acquire some teeth whitening home kits to do these at one’s convenience. Most people experience little or no side effects and are able to tolerate repeated procedures to achieve their goals. However, some do experience minor side effects while others are not completely satisfied with the results. Before you spend for this cosmetic procedure that cost Americans more than a billion dollars annually, you may want to consider its limitations and side effects to get a more realistic picture.

Sources & Links

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Photo courtesy of shazam791 by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/tlk/4869882723/
www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/814592/teeth-whitening-5-things-you-should-know-before-you-go-for-the-glow-1
http://www.sharecare.com/health/dental-oral-health-teeth/article/about-to-whiten-your-teeth-review-side-effects
http://lakewoodfamilydental.net/teeth-whitening-side-effects/teeth-whitening-side-effects/

Painful teeth and gums

Dentists warn their patients that it is not uncommon for one to experience increased tooth sensitivity within 24 hours after the teeth whitening procedure. It can also cause irritation of the soft tissues, especially when the whitening solution touches the gums. Studies show that up to 65% of patients experience some pain that is usually short lasting. Others also experience nausea and vomiting when using home kits. To reduce the risk of pain and sensitivity, one can take oral pain relievers such as ibuprofen before undergoing the bleaching procedure. Experts also suggest using toothpaste that helps reduce sensitivity several days before and after tooth whitening.

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Photo courtesy of Conor Lawless by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/conchur/1573132880/
www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/814592/teeth-whitening-5-things-you-should-know-before-you-go-for-the-glow-1
http://www.sharecare.com/health/dental-oral-health-teeth/article/about-to-whiten-your-teeth-review-side-effects

Enamel damage

Some people want to see immediate results and are not satisfied with one or two sessions of bleaching. Some people resort to overdoing it by doing monthly teeth whitening, while others try to use bleaching agents that are stronger than what the American Dental Association recommends. Over-the-counter teeth whitening products such as toothpastes, whitening strips, gels, and mouth rinses, as well as dentist-supervised home kits typically contain bleaching agents that are of lower strength (10-22% carbamide peroxide), which is equivalent to three percent hydrogen peroxide. However, professional teeth bleaching agents applied in a dentist’s office may contain a concentration of about 15-43% hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals can damage your tooth enamel, which forms the outer layer of the teeth. Avoid doing this routinely, as it may do more harm than good, making your teeth appear translucent (ghostly, rather than white).

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Photo courtesy of andres musta by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/andresmusta/4041310466/
www.sharecare.com/health/dental-oral-health-teeth/article/about-to-whiten-your-teeth-review-side-effects
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening

Teeth whitening isn't forever

Just like other cosmetic procedures, one must have realistic expectations on the results of teeth whitening. One must not expect to obtain "blinding white" teeth that lasts forever with a few sessions of bleaching. There are many factors that may influence the results of the procedure, including genetics, previous use of antibiotics, coffee and alcohol drinking, as well as smoking habits, which can lead to staining of one's teeth. Aging also contributes to changes in teeth color. Dentists stress that teeth whitening may take time to produce desired results and repeated treatments may be needed to achieve your goals. Results may last from one to three years but follow-up treatments may be necessary.

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Photo courtesy of Megan Morris by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/megangoodchild/2722076541/
www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/814592/teeth-whitening-5-things-you-should-know-before-you-go-for-the-glow-1
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening?page=3

Teeth whitening requires maintenance

Aside from bleaching, one must maintain proper oral hygiene preserve teeth whitening results. Experts advise brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly to maintain white teeth. They also recommend avoiding coffee, red wine, or soda, especially within 48 hours of treatment. Cigarette smoking and chewing tobacco also increase yellow stains on the teeth. Eating dark colored foods such as berries, beets, candy, ketchup, soy sauce, and curry must also be avoided. These substances can penetrate into the porous enamel layer or stick to the tartar or plaque on the surface of the teeth, making them less white in color.

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Photo courtesy of Neon Tommy by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/neontommy/8034380007/
www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/slideshow-foods-stain-teeth
http://health.india.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-what-you-need-to-know-before-opting-for-the-procedure/

Avoid whitening procedure if you're pregnant or lactating

Tooth whitening is not for everyone. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby, avoid undergoing this procedure because the chemicals used may be absorbed by the body and cause harm to your baby. This is a safety reminder given for most drugs or chemicals, which are not prescribed by a doctor during this delicate period. Aside from pregnancy and lactation, teeth whitening is not suitable for children who are less than 16 years old or for people who may be sensitive or allergic to peroxide. It is also not recommended for people whose gums have receded, those who have large cavities or tooth fillings, and those who have mouth ulcers and worn out enamel from teeth grinding.

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Photo courtesy of Bethany Brown by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/bethykae/3377899104/
www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/814592/teeth-whitening-5-things-you-should-know-before-you-go-for-the-glow-1
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening?page=3 http://health.india.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-what-you-need-to-know-before-opting-for-the-procedure/

Dental issues could be made worse by bleaching

People who have dental issues such as receding gums, sensitive teeth and gums, and defective tooth restorations may experience side effects from teeth whitening. Other conditions that could be made worse by bleaching the teeth include worn enamel, gum disease, exposed roots, and cavities. These individuals are discouraged from having a tooth-whitening procedure because whitening solutions may penetrate into existing tooth decay and other inner areas of the teeth, which can increase pain and sensitivity. People who have undergone dental restorations, including fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, and bonding must be warned that the materials used for these procedures do not whiten. Thus, tooth whitening may cause uneven colors, with other teeth becoming lighter in color than those teeth that have been restored.

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Photo courtesy of Bruce by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/superfantastic/2680712212/
www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening?page=3

Overdoing teeth whitening

Some people are tempted to overdo teeth whitening, just like some celebrities who overdo plastic surgery. They have regular bleaching sessions or use home kits, as often as once a month. While your teeth may become pearly white after several teeth whitening sessions, doing it too often can cause permanent damage to the outermost layer of the teeth, or the enamel. This layer can become weak, translucent, or discolored and the damage cannot be fixed. Some experts recommend repeating the procedure only as much as four times in a year, but others believe that once every six months would suffice.

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Photo courtesy of waldopepper by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/waldopepper/4486541499/
www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/814592/teeth-whitening-5-things-you-should-know-before-you-go-for-the-glow-1
http://health.india.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-what-you-need-to-know-before-opting-for-the-procedure/

Always consult your dentist

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective procedure that can improve your looks and boost your self-esteem. Whether you prefer to have it done professionally or try doing it yourself at home, always consult your dentist before making a decision. He can tell you if you are a good candidate for the office procedure or if there are other options you must explore. He can also advise you about using dental office-dispensed teeth bleaching kits or help you on selecting over-the-counter teeth whitening products. Make sure to get the right information about the pros and cons of teeth whitening from a professional rather just doing your own research.

Sources & Links

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Photo courtesy of Herry Lawford by Flickr : www.flickr.com/photos/herry/424274849/
www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/updates/update0703d.shtml
http://health.india.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-what-you-need-to-know-before-opting-for-the-procedure/

Swallowing the chemicals

It is inevitable that some bleaching chemicals may be swallowed during in-office or home whitening procedures. Side effects may include nausea and vomiting. Long-term side effects of the procedure have not been studied. Some of these products, especially those used in or dispensed by dental offices, have received the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which means that they have met American Dental Association guidelines for effectiveness and safety. These include home-use products that usually contain ten percent carbamide peroxide and those used in dental offices, which contain 35 percent hydrogen peroxide. In addition, several brands of whitening toothpastes have been given ADA approval. However, many over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening products have not gained ADA endorsement. Since teeth bleaching products are not drugs, they are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).