There is a social construct that says whiter teeth make you look better. Not only can it show how stylish you are, but it also makes your smile literally blinding. To be fair, there is some sense in this. Having yellow teeth is usually a sign of a person being a heavy drinker or smoker. Thus, those with stained teeth would be assumed to be unhealthier than those with white teeth. In this article, we will take a look at teeth whitening risks and whether or not teeth whitening damages your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Risks: Does It Damage Your Teeth?
There are many things that can make your teeth yellow. Besides the vices previously mentioned, coffee, tea, red wine, and food with dye can all stain your pearly whites. Different diseases, infections, and trauma can also cause your teeth to discolor. Another factor includes one that no one can avoid, and that is age. Despite all these causes, dentists have created ways to fulfill the aesthetic need of having whiter teeth.
Bleaching
One process is where the professional uses hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to bleach the teeth of their patient. These bleaching agents come in the form of bleaching gel or laser lightening.
Store-bought products
Other less expensive methods include teeth whitening treatments that you can find in stores. These include whitening toothpaste and strips that either contain a small amount of these chemicals or focus on scrubbing the stains away from the surface of your teeth. Teeth whitening products such as these are safe and can be used without consulting your dentist.
DIY teeth whitening
There are also methods that are not scientifically proven which are using activated charcoal, fruit peels, oil, and many others. However, it is important to note that it is always better to consult a medical professional as they would know what to do best. Not only can they give you a method that is more effective in whitening your teeth, but they can also keep you safe since you would probably not know if a certain ingredient would give you adverse reactions.
Risks and downsides of getting your teeth whitened
Increased tooth sensitivity
Another risk includes making your teeth more sensitive. Because you are dissolving or brushing away layers of your teeth, it makes these bones more vulnerable and sensitive. This can be very uncomfortable for others, especially those who already have sensitive teeth prior to the whitening procedure.
Irritated gums
Another risk is that your gums can get irritated when exposed to the whitening product. Thankfully, this one also goes away with time. However, some people may be unaware that they have a cracked tooth or an unfilled cavity. If any bleaching material were to seep into these spaces, then it would cause extreme pain and even internal tooth damage. If it is really bad, then the patients would need to get a root canal which involves removing the center of the tooth.
Uneven teeth color
Some people may even over whiten their teeth which could also cause pain and cause gum irritation. Doing it yourself may also make your teeth uneven in color. Products such as whitening strips can be quite difficult to apply, even more so for those who have overlapping teeth. Without professional help, some or your teeth can end up being whiter than others.
The cost of teeth whitening
With beauty comes sacrifices. For one thing, teeth whitening can be very expensive. A person would have to go through whitening procedures every 3 months or so depending on their lifestyle and diet since the effects are not permanent. This could make a big dent in your wallet if you would consistently have your teeth whitened.
Conclusion
Overall, there is nothing wrong with whitening your teeth. However, it is important that you understand the risks of teeth whitening. Not only would other people perceive you as a healthier and more appealing person, but it could also boost your confidence. However, you always have to be careful when it comes to these things as it usually involves chemicals. To be safe, it is best to always consult a dentist before you do anything.
Additional Reading: Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Regency Dental offers Zoom Teeth Whitening in Omaha. Contact us for more information.
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