Bleaching Your Teeth Too Much May Cause Damage (2024)

FAQs

Bleaching Your Teeth Too Much May Cause Damage? ›

Teeth whitening, particularly with high concentrations of peroxide-based bleaching agents, can potentially damage enamel if not used properly. Peroxide can penetrate the enamel and reach the dentin, causing sensitivity and weakening enamel over time. Overuse or misuse of whitening products may exacerbate these risks.

Excessive teeth whitening with bleach may lead to tooth erosion. If your teeth are over-exposed to bleaching agents, this may cause the enamel that protects your teeth to be destroyed. This can result in long-lasting oral health issues such as tooth decay and fracture, and lead to quite a lot of pain.

The excessive use of bleach to whiten your teeth can cause tooth enamel erosion. Tooth enamel is the extremely hard substance that protects your tooth. With its destruction, your oral health will be greatly affected, leading to more tooth decay, pain, and risks for tooth fracturing.

In-office teeth whitening treatment offers a way for you to brighten your smile safely. Dentists recommend getting whitening treatment once a year or so for most patients to keep their smiles looking aesthetically pleasing. Whitening teeth too often could cause certain oral health concerns, such as worn-down enamel.

Some dangers of teeth whitening include -

The chemicals causing stomach ache, nausea and other digestive problems if swallowed. If teeth whitening chemicals are swallowed by pregnant women, it may cause issues with the teeth of the unborn child.

One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration.

While teeth whitening can be a great way to brighten your smile and increase your confidence, it is possible to overdo it. Risks associated with too much whitening include tooth and gum sensitivity, discoloration, and even enamel degradation.

Studies have shown that professional teeth whitening does not harm enamel. But that doesn't mean your concerns with enamel end there. People will thin enamel on their teeth might not be good candidates for professional teeth whitening.

While there are several risks associated with teeth whitening, the procedure is generally safe when done by a professional. They are trained and certified and know how to apply the bleaching agents properly and how long to leave them on your teeth.

But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel. The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out.

Can yellow teeth become white again? ›

If you want to know how to whiten yellow teeth, the most effective option is an in-office whitening treatment with your dentist. In-office whitening treatments have become very popular because you can see results in a single visit or a few visits. The effects last longer than any product you find on the shelves.

Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.

Unfortunately, teeth whitening is not permanent. The length of your results will depend on your unique case, but typically teeth whitening can last anywhere from a few months to 3 years.

There has been no evidence found that teeth whitening can lead to nerve damage. A study followed patients for seven years. During this time they were using teeth whitening systems. No patient needed any additional work on their teeth performed such as a root canal due to the whitening.

What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.

Burns and Blisters. In rare cases, the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening can cause burns or blisters on your gums. This usually happens when the gel used is left on your teeth for too long or if it's not applied correctly.

Dentists typically recommend getting one or two professional whitening treatments per year. At-home whitening kits can be used for up to 14 consecutive days. People who have gotten professional whitening can maintain their results by using these kits a few times a year.

Your Teeth Are Starting to Look Translucent

That said, they shouldn't be allowing light to pass through in a way that your teeth almost have an appearance that you can slightly see through. Translucent teeth are usually caused by over-whitening, over-bleaching, or other excessive forms of treatment.

Typically, professional whitening can be done once a year. This frequency ensures that your teeth are whitened effectively without causing damage to the tooth enamel. Your dentist will assess the health of your teeth and recommend a safe interval.