Even though teeth whitening is considered very safe, there are some risks of temporary side effects, even when the treatment is considered to have been successful. Gum irritation and sensitivity to very hot or to very cold foods and liquids are the top two reported side effects to teeth whitening, at home or in the dentist office.

Between 30 to 50 percent of patients who use teeth whitening products can expect some tooth sensitivity or irritated gums during the course of their teeth whitening therapies. In some unusual cases, a dentist might recommend that all whitening be stopped for the comfort and safety of the patient.

The greater the concentration of the whitening agent and the longer the duration the product is used, the higher the likelihood of side effects. These effects can occur during or immediately following the bleaching treatment and should abate within two to three days.

Fillings, crowns or other dental restorations will not whiten in the same way that your natural teeth will. Teeth that are whitened inexpertly may be blotchy and produce an overall negative aesthetic that is worse than the original stained teeth.

Sometimes our natural teeth are so darkly stained that they cannot be whitened completely. Some stains are caused by medications such as tetracycline and cannot be altered by whitening. These teeth may require a dentistry procedure such as dental veneers.

It is possible to whiten your teeth too much. The superbright white color looks artificial and can look blue. Overuse can also lead to the degradation and erosion of your enamel, a process that cannot be reversed and can lead to tooth decay or gum disease.

Visit your dentist in Etobicoke for an exam to determine if teeth whitening is safe for you. Use only products your dentist feels are safe, and use them only for their recommended periods of time. Don’t overuse any whitening product, and follow all of the instructions. The best, safest, most effective teeth whitening is found in your dentist’s office. Talk to your dentist today to see what whitening options are available to you.

If you need a dentist in Etobicoke, contact us today