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A bright, white smile is a source of confidence for many people. That is why you will want to have white teeth even though you cannot give up on a cup of coffee in the morning to kick start your day. a lot many people look for teeth whitening options to compensate for the stain they end up with on their teeth due to the intake of certain foods. In such a scenario, you may wonder if teeth whitening options are safe.

Can it hurt your teeth?

Due to the bleach content, it is understandable to think of teeth whitening products as painful for your gums and other areas of the oral cavity. The American Dental Association, however, suggests that modern-day products are safer. At-home and over-the-counter teeth whitening products can brighten up your smile without causing significant damage to other tissues. Some people, nonetheless, can develop other problems, which we are going to discuss below.

Gum irritation

The most active ingredients used in teeth whitening products are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Both in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments include higher levels of bleaching agents to promote the stain removal process. Your dentist, however, will take extra precautions during the treatment to make sure that no other tissues are affected when he or she applies the whitening solution to your teeth. Similarly, at-home teeth whitening procedures are designed to keep the gums protected during the application of whitening solutions. It means that the chance of irritating solution interacting with your gums is minimal, regardless of whether you choose in-office or at-home treatment.

Tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is another byproduct of the bleaching of teeth. According to the ADA, the vulnerability of the tooth’s pulp to develop inflammation as a result of exposure to peroxide is a significant cause of tooth sensitivity in this regard. Other factors influencing the severity of the sensitivity include peroxide concentration, the presence of restoration, and even the intensity of curing light. The good thing is that this sensitivity is not usually persistent. If it tends to persist, you may consider the following options.

• Brushing with toothpaste for sensitive teeth
• Not wearing strips for a prolonged period
• Re-mineralizing teeth with a fluoridated product
• Pausing teeth whitening to allow teeth to recover

Dental restorations

A few studies suggest that teeth whitening may have adverse effects on dental restorations. It will, however, depend on the type of material used in the treatment. The use of peroxide can trigger the leaching of mercury from dental amalgam. The amount of mercury leached will depend on the amount of peroxide used, the age of the dental amalgam, and the time of application. The good thing is that the amount of mercury leached is usually not that significant to cause a health-related concern. Other types of restorations, such as crowns and dental implants, are usually not affected by peroxide. You can speak to your dentist if you are concerned about the effects of whitening treatment on your dental restorations.

The best way to ensure safety during teeth whitening is to consult with your dentist beforehand. Even if you are going for an over-the-counter whitening treatment, be sure to have a word with your dentist.