Could Teeth Whitening Kits Be Hurting My Teeth? (2024)

FAQs

Could Teeth Whitening Kits Be Hurting My Teeth? ›

In fact, over-the-counter teeth whitening kits commonly cause temporary tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity may occur during your treatment or when consuming hot or cold beverages. Here is some information on why teeth whitening treatments can cause temporary sensitivity and how to manage it.

However, patients with strong enamel may still experience some discomfort after whitening. Peroxide, one of the main ingredients in whitening solutions, can irritate the nerves in your teeth, which is probably why you experience discomfort when drinking something cold or when you go outside in cold temperatures.

The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.

“Generally speaking, whitening kits are not harmful to your teeth,” explains Dr. Greg Scheier, DDS of Scheier Dental Group. “There are, however, potential temporary sensitivities, both in the teeth and gums, that may result from the use of both over-the-counter and dentist-administered whitening kits.”

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.

The precise cause of teeth whitening-induced sensitivity is not yet known. However, the leading hypothesis has to do with the effects of peroxides on your enamel and dentin. As the peroxide product bleaches away the stains on your teeth, it also causes slight demineralization which makes your teeth more porous.

When whitening treatments cause sensitivity, it is because of the bleaching agent in the treatment. All forms of tooth bleaching may cause inflammation to the pulp, which results from exposure to peroxide.

According to Dr. Alina Lane, DDS, “Current research shows that the use of LED whitening kits is quite safe when used infrequently, however it is extremely common to see an increase in tooth sensitivity and gingival irritation immediately after using these products.”

Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

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.

Why is teeth whitening not recommended? ›

Whitening your teeth too often increases the risk of negative side effects, such as tooth sensitivity and damage to tooth enamel and gums. But there's no official guideline for how often whitening can be done safely. That's why it's important to get your dentist's recommendation and always follow product instructions.

What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.

Crest Whitestrips are also proven to be safe, as research demonstrated through extensive clinical trials. Whitestrips use the same enamel-safe ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, which many dentists use in their offices. In fact, Crest Whitestrips Whitening + Therapy also strengthen your enamel with a soothing serum.

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. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.

Because your dentist supervises the procedure, a stronger bleaching solution can be used than what's found in home kits. They may recommend doing everything in their office. In that case, a light or heat source may be used to speed up the process.

The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort. Its simple, straightforward process, coupled with the ability to carry on with normal activities during treatment, makes it highly convenient and user-friendly.

Teeth sensitivity after a professional whitening treatment can last a few days or weeks, or up to several months after. The length of your potential teeth sensitivity all depends on you and your unique case.

Many over-the-counter whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient, which can cause sensitivity. In fact, some whitening products may even contain higher concentrations of peroxide, which can lead to greater sensitivity.

Zingers are sudden, sharp zaps in a tooth that some people may experience after tooth whitening. They usually last for a few seconds at a time. These can occur during the whitening procedure and may last for a day or two after treatment.

This is because the peroxide can penetrate the dentin (the inner layer of your teeth) and irritate the nerve endings. If you experience increased tooth sensitivity, try using a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide or using it less often. Gum irritation is another common side effect of using hydrogen peroxide.