Teeth whitening has gone leaps and bounds ahead since it was first developed, so there are various methods to effectively do it today. The problem is that many people tend to overdo it in an attempt to get the most out of the treatment.
It’s bad to overdo teeth whitening because you can not only discolor your teeth in an unflattering way, but you can end up causing tons of oral problems and degradation. Make sure you recognize the signs that you’re going too far with your teeth whitening.
Your Teeth Are Starting to Look Translucent
Sure, you want your teeth to look white. 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. If you see your teeth looking like this, it’s time to stop what you’re doing and check if your teeth have suffered long-term damage from what you’re applying on them.
The Edges of Teeth Are Discolored
It is true that over-whitening can cause discoloration in the edges of your teeth. This is an immediate sign that you have been whitening them too long or too often.
This can usually be attributed to overexposure to peroxide. The problem with significant discoloration is that it is oftentimes irreversible. In this case, you shouldn’t lean to even more whitening agents. You’ll want to get checked for any corrective procedures you can get.
Your Teeth Feel Sensitive
Sensitivity is one of the most common side effects of tooth whitening. It’s a common problem that usually occurs when teeth have been over-whitened.
This should be very clear when you consume any food and drinks that are particularly hot or cold. The situation is even worse if you can feel your teeth sensitivity even without eating or drinking. This is usually because of your teeth getting weakened by over-whitening.
Your Enamel is Eroded
Tooth enamel is vital to your teeth because it works as a protective shield that gives your teeth their structure. When your teeth are over-whitened, the enamel can become vulnerable and eroded.
This is an immediate sign that you need to stop because enamel doesn’t come back naturally. The lack of enamel puts you at risk of tooth decay, infection, and other oral problems.
Your Gums Are Swollen
If you are using particularly extensive or harsh methods, then you can make your gums swell up. If your gums get red and sensitive, you should stop using your method of tooth whitening right away.
Should you be using a method that only presents these systems after multiple applications, then this means you’ve overdone it.
You Are Experiencing Discomfort In Your Mouth
One thing to note is that you should not experience pain when whitening your teeth. If it is painful, you should immediately stop and rinse out your mouth. Otherwise, discomfort is a sign that either the products are causing an unwanted reaction or you have overdone it.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening is a very effective way to get the results you want. Just make sure you do it right to avoid any unwanted side effects. Protect yourself from going too far by following instructions and recommendations from the dentist.
Shallowford Family Dental is proud to commit the best possible dental care for patients of all ages. Reach out to book a consultation for teeth whitening in Chattanooga.
FAQs
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.
What happens if you do too much teeth whitening? ›
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.
When should you stop whitening your teeth? ›
Your Gums Are Swollen
If you are using particularly extensive or harsh methods, then you can make your gums swell up. If your gums get red and sensitive, you should stop using your method of tooth whitening right away.
Can teeth whitening go wrong? ›
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.
What happens if you don't refrigerate teeth whitening? ›
The downside of this chemical instability is that all whitening gels start degenerating immediately after manufacture if not kept under constant refrigeration. The higher the temperature, the greater the degradation process.
What are the side effects of hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening? ›
Whitening products that contain peroxide are known to have the potential to produce oral irritation and tooth hypersensitivity.
Do teeth go back to normal after whitening? ›
After the treatment, it is natural for teeth' color to regress somewhat over time. This is normal and should be gradual, but it can be accelerated by exposing the teeth to various staining agents, such as coffee, tea, tobacco, red wine, colas, citrus drinks, fruits, etc.
How do you know if your teeth are too white? ›
If you're at home and trying to decide if you're finished whitening or not, a good rule of thumb is that your teeth should be no whiter than the whites of your eyes. This is a good shade to aim for, as you can be sure it will look natural on you. Another general rule of thumb is to use your skin tone and complexion.
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.
What is the bad side of teeth whitening? ›
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.” Dr.
Can teeth look worse after whitening? ›
First of all, don't worry! The white, patchy, streaky, or lined look of teeth after whitening is normal – it's called enamel demineralization.
Is it safe to leave teeth whitening overnight? ›
You may wear your trays overnight if you have no sensitivities with 4 hours. General manufacturers recommended wearing times are: For Carbamide Peroxide Bleaching Gels (Pola Night): 10% Carbamide Peroxide (3.6% Hydrogen Peroxide) = use 1 x 2hours/day to overnight, while sleeping, if no sensitivity arises.
Is it bad to leave teeth whitening strips on too long? ›
While taking a nap during your 30-60 minute strip application time may sound like a great time saver, it could result in wearing the strips longer than recommended, which can result in teeth sensitivity and/or gum discomfort.
How long should teeth whiteners stay on? ›
Place the whitening tray(s) in your mouth carefully, making sure that it is seated all the way. Remove any excess gel from the gum tissue with your finger or dry toothbrush. Keep the tray in your mouth for 30-60 minutes.
Can dental whitening damage teeth? ›
We all want a white brighter smile. 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.
