Excessive bleaching of teeth with bleach can cause tooth erosion. If your teeth are overexposed to bleaching agents, this can cause destruction of the enamel that protects your teeth. This can cause long-lasting oral health problems, such as cavities and fractures, and cause a lot of pain. Depending on your oral hygiene and dietary habits (i.e., drinking coffee and red wine), you will need to touch up your teeth with at-home whitening treatments at intervals of 6, 12, and 18 months.
Why could more whitening be problematic? Peroxide in bleaching agents can cause cellular damage, such as gingivitis and hypersensitivity, to the gums. If you overdo it with DIY strips, you can also wear down the outer layer of the tooth, known as enamel. Yellow tooth discoloration is the most common sign of enamel damage. This raises the question “does teeth whitening damage enamel? The answer is no, teeth whitening doesn't damage tooth enamel.
There are many different ways to get a brighter smile, but it can whiten your teeth too much, which can lead to bigger problems. Stop using whitening treatment if you have any sensitivity or irritation and talk to your dentist. For safe and successful teeth whitening treatment, always consult with your dentist to learn the best options and expectations for your case. Keenan said she became interested in the effects of hydrogen peroxide on dentin after using a bleaching product herself.
Teeth whitening, especially when supervised by a dentist, is a safe and effective procedure with very few long-term risks. Whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures because it can greatly improve the look of your teeth and how you feel about your smile. There are reports of significant enamel damage associated with over-the-counter bleaching products, most likely due to excessive unassisted whitening. Whitening products can have multiple side effects, including damaging tooth enamel, causing gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, and more.
Some of these effects are long-lasting; for example, damage to tooth enamel is permanent and irreversible. In most cases, side effects and other problems are caused by improper use of the whitening product or by excessive bleaching. Never leave a whitening product longer than recommended, as this can increase the risk of gum irritation, sensitivity and damage enamel. From over-the-counter whitening strips to a professional whitening treatment from your Rocky Mount dentist, getting a bright white smile is no longer reserved just for celebrities.
