Can Teeth Whitening Hurt Your Teeth?
Teeth whitening methods have been implemented and evaluated for decades. Millions of people use teeth whitening products. In fact, cosmetic teeth bleaching is forecasted to be a $3.8 billion global industry by 2021. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that safe and effective teeth whitening options are available for both in-office and at-home applications and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments. However, several minor side effects are sometimes associated with teeth whitening. These include gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, and impact on dental restorations.
Gum Irritation
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the most common active ingredients for teeth whitening products. Treatments prescribed by your dentist — whether that's an in-office procedure or take-home whitening trays — contain higher levels of these bleaching agents. If the bleach were to touch your gums, it could cause irritation. However, your dentist takes extra precautions to protect your gum tissue. During in-office procedures, a protective gel will be used to shield your gums from the bleaching agent. Similarly, at-home trays are customized to fit your teeth, so as little whitening gel touches your gums as possible. If you still experience any issues, the irritation should heal on its own.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is another common side effect of all forms of teeth bleaching. According to the ADA, sensitivity is possibly due to the pulp's inflammation from peroxide exposure during the treatment. Many factors may influence the severity of the sensitivity, including the peroxide concentration, the presence of restorations, or even the intensity of light use. The sensitivity may resolve on its own, but if not, you can try:
- Brushing with toothpaste made for sensitive teeth
- Wearing the strips or trays for a shorter time
- Asking your dentist for a fluoride product to help remineralize teeth
- Pausing the whitening process for several days to allow teeth to adapt