Is Teeth Whitening Damaging to My Teeth?

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Teeth Whitening is one of the most asked about cosmetic dental procedures but it comes with a lot of concerns. Stories of over whitening, burning, and pain have gone around, making many patients wonder, is it safe?

Are you causing damage to your enamel with the whitening products? Are you teeth more sensitive following whitening? The answer to all of those questions are, it’s a possibility. To cautiously whiten your teeth, it is best to do it under the direction of our dentist.

Can whitening my teeth burn me?

To whiten your teeth, various forms of whitening products are available, but the active ingredient is always peroxide. Peroxide can cause chemical burns to your gums. If done under the direction of a dentist, we can lessen the incidence of chemical burns. Patients experience more chemical burns using over the counter, one size fits all, trays, because they are often oversized, allowing the peroxide gel to come in contact with your soft gum tissue.

Will whitening damage my tooth enamel?

Peroxide can be a strong chemical, but if used carefully it should not cause damage to your enamel when whitening your teeth. If used inappropriately or for longer than recommended times, the peroxide can cause etching in the enamel, leading to larger problems.

Will my teeth be more sensitive after whitening?

Sensitivity to your teeth following whitening is a common complaint. Your tooth is made up of dentin tubules that have a hard layer of enamel on top. If the enamel becomes eroded in spots, it can leave exposure to dentin which can lead to sensitivity or pain. When patients attempt to whiten at home, there can be missteps that can increase this sensitivity. It is always best to whiten under the direction of your dentist.

Please contact us if you have any questions about teeth whitening.

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