Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Teeth Whitening?
If you ask 10 people, at least 9 of them will tell you that a beautiful smile is one of the most attractive features on another person. We all want a dazzling white smile that we are proud to show off, but some wonder about the potential negative effects of the treatments used to whiten teeth. The good news is that potential side effects are quite minimal and easy to manage with the support of a qualified dental professional. In order to set your mind at ease, we’ve compiled more information on the possible side effects associated with teeth whitening.
There are many options available to whiten your teeth such as toothpaste, gels, rinses, strips, trays and those from your dentist. It’s important to note that most of these options are not created equally and the product you choose can strongly affect the effectiveness and potential side effects you experience.
At our downtown Calgary clinic, Ambiance Dental provides teeth whitening using two options – peroxide based bleaching agent administered through specially fitted trays and the Zoom Tooth Whitening System.
- Trays – When provided by a dentist, the strength of the bleaching agent used can be properly adjusted to suit your needs so you are not getting too much or too little. Your dentist will also ensure that the trays fit snugly against your teeth to minimize contact with your gums, which causes the most common side effects of teeth whitening which are gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.
Trays can effectively whiten your teeth, in a way that better protects your gums and soft tissues, but they may still take several treatments to see noticeable results.
- Zoom Tooth Whitening System – The fastest and most effective way to get up to 8 shades whiter teeth is Zoom Whitening. After just one visit to your dentist, you will see a significant improvement, with little to no side effects. Zoom users may experience some tooth sensitivity after treatment, but this can be offset by using fluoride toothpaste to remineralize your teeth.
For those with healthy teeth and gums, tooth whitening affords very few side effects and those that do appear can be easily managed, especially with great advice from your dentist. That said, there are some situations where whitening is not recommended. In order to avoid any additional adverse side effects, those in the following situations should not use whitening treatments:
- Pregnant and nursing mothers
- Peroxide allergies
- Gum disease
- Worn enamel
- Cavities
- Exposed roots
- Fillings, crowns and restorations
- Dark stains
Before starting any tooth whitening treatment, it is highly recommended that you have your dentist assess your mouth to ensure that it is healthy and that you are choosing the right options to achieve the best results. It is also recommended to consult with your dentist during treatment to check for signs of gum irritation and to manage any sensitivity that may arise.
If you are a good candidate, tooth whitening is a low-risk treatment that rarely presents adverse side effects. Consult your dentist prior to accessing teeth whitening treatment and be sure to consider dentist provided options as they tend to be the most effective and least invasive.
Book a consultation appointment with one of our Ambiance dentists today!