Over-the-counter teeth whitening products provide a convenient way to whiten your smile at home, but using these too much can be dangerous to your oral health.
Your teeth may stain over time from wine, coffee, cigarettes — even aging. This type of staining can cause you to feel self-conscious and threaten the integrity of your tooth enamel. Using teeth whitening products over professional teeth whitening treatments can help you reduce these stains and get a brighter smile, but using these products also much can actually lead to harm.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
There are a lot of products on the market that claim to whiten teeth, including whitening kits and whitening toothpastes. Some of the products contain peroxide which helps whiten teeth, while others help keep your teeth whiter by being more abrasive with stains. Teeth whitening products reduce stains or discoloration that is yellowish, as opposed to brownish stains and discoloration. These products are easy to buy and don’t require a prescription from the dentist. While this might seem convenient, it can easily lead to overuse.
Problems with Excessive Teeth-whitening
If you use over-the-counter teeth whitening products too much, you could be damaging your teeth. Even whiteners approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) are dangerous when used too often, and could lead to the following issues:
- Translucent look: Implementing peroxide-based whitening products too much can leave your teeth with a translucent appearance, rather than a white one. This can cause them to appear discolored, particularly around the edges, which is irreversible.
- Gum irritation: Over-the-counter whitening products that contain peroxide may irritate your gums, causing redness and sensitivity. These products can also irritate your throat and the inside of your mouth when they’re overused.
- Reduction of tooth enamel: Tooth enamel helps protect your teeth from decay. Using teeth whitening products also much can erode tooth enamel, leaving you with a greater risk of tooth decay.
- Increased tooth sensitivity: Overusing whitening products can cause your teeth to become more sensitive to cold and cold temperatures, making it unpleasant for you to consume certain foods and beverages.
Safe Teeth Whitening Procedures
A few of the symptoms of too much teeth-whitening products, such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation, typically go away when you stop using these products. Tooth enamel loss is a more severe effect, however, making it important to avoid this issue in the first place.
Instead of using whitening products on your own in your home, consider having teeth whitening performed professionally under our supervision at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®. Your teeth will be much safer in the hands of an experienced professional.
Bear in mind that professional whitening solutions— such as in-office whitening or at-home whitening with customized bleaching trays — are also more effective than over-the-counter whitening products. In many cases, the results also last longer, so you won’t have to have whitening treatments done as often.
ABOUT THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®
THE SCIENCE OF SMILES® offers affordable cosmetic and laser dentistry and gentle, compassionate general dental care in Pasadena, CA. Our office is conveniently situated with extended hours to meet your needs. At THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®, we offer most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures, complete dental rebuilding, sleep apnea, and TMJ/ Headache management. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover affordable up-to-date dentistry and a team who truly cares at THE SCIENCE OF SMILES®.
