Side Effects of Teeth Whitening and How To Avoid Them

Teeth whitening done without first consulting with a cosmetic dentist can result in less than satisfying results. Learn common side effects and how to avoid them.

Did you know that tooth whitening is the most common cosmetic treatment in the entire world? Indeed, teeth whitening is even more popular than Botox injections. It shouldn’t be a surprise either. Simply whitening your teeth can take 10 years off your appearance, whereas Botox treatments are not quite so powerful. We tend to associate whiter teeth with youthfulness as well as better health and higher overall attractiveness. What other cosmetic treatment can truly boast those benefits and be minimally invasive? With tooth whitening, you can get professional results at home -- no scary injections required! Let’s not fail to mention that tooth whitening is a lot more economical than any other cosmetic treatment too.

Tooth whitening in NYC is a safe treatment, and millions of people do it every year. However, it’s always best to consult with a cosmetic dentist in New York before buying any over-the-counter whitening products. There are some side effects to be aware of so you can know how to avoid them.

One reason why some people have side effects to teeth whitening treatments is that they used the wrong whitener for them. We all have different thicknesses to our enamel, different dental histories, unique genetics that affect the teeth, and overall differences in how our teeth react to common bleaching substances. If you already have sensitive teeth or sensitive periodontal tissue, you are more likely to experience pain as a result of using too strong of a whitening solution. You will require a gentle strength solution -- often only available from your dentist. On the other hand, if you have darkening of the teeth as a result of root canals, dental caries, or gum disease, no amount of tooth whitening will produce good results. You’ll likely need some immediate dental care, as well as a different cosmetic dentistry treatment such as porcelain veneers.

Even if you are using the right strength of whitener on your teeth, if you leave it on too long there can be problems. The most common problem is sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, or even pain when eating or chewing gum. Another common side effect is burning of the gums and eventual canker sores and bleeding. Be sure to follow the directions included with any product, and don’t try to get your teeth whiter faster by leaving the whitener on longer than the package insert recommends.

Why does leaving the product on your teeth for too long cause these side effects? The ingredients in tooth whitening products that actually whiten your teeth are usually hydrogen peroxide mixed with some inactive components. When these bleaching agents are applied to your teeth for a few hours at a time, your teeth slowing become whiter. Most dentists in New York, recommend using these products for a few hours at a time over a period of a few weeks, until the desired color is achieved. When left on your teeth for too long without giving your teeth a “rest” from being bleached out, this can result in pain and sensitivity at the level of the nerve that is deep beneath the enamel of your tooth.

Another problem with over-the-counter products is that it becomes far too easy to apply the whitener completely evenly on all your teeth. Therefore, some teeth will get whiter than others and produce less desirable results. Also, some teeth can become more sensitive and leave others not so sensitive. The gum tissue around some teeth can become inflamed when those teeth receive a thicker application of whitener than they are supposed to have.

With a custom-made dental tray, for instance, you can avoid the side effects of uneven whitening and inflamed gums or canker sores. When a whitening tray is made to fit your mouth only, you can then apply the whitener evenly over all teeth and get a much better result.

Tooth Whitening NYC Methods - Which One Is Right For You? (Part 2)

When it comes to teeth whitening, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. This is part 2 of a two part series explaining what you should do if you are considering teeth whitening.

If you missed part 1 of this series, please go back and read part 1 to make sure you don't miss a critical piece of information!

We discussed the importance of consulting with a cosmetic dentist about tooth whitening in NYC before you run out and buy an over-the-counter product. This could potentially save you from a disaster such as damaging your teeth or ending up with a glow-in-the-dark smile.

There are several different types of products for tooth whitening, and they all have unique pros and cons. The best method for your best friend may not be the best method for you. The main types of tooth whitening products include over-the-counter strips and gels, whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes, custom-made teeth whitening trays, and even in-office treatments involving rapid whitening methods. Most methods require several days to weeks of treatment for optimal results. In-office whitening procedures typically only take an hour. Here are the important differences you should know.

Whitening Toothpastes and Mouthwashes

Tooth whitening pastes and washes are great for maintaining the white color of your teeth after you have whitened them with a bleaching solution. By using a good whitening toothpaste twice a day, you can prolong the amount of time your teeth stay white between whitening treatments. Keep in mind that some whitening toothpastes, such as Topol, only polish the teeth and are only useful for removing tar stains from tobacco products.

Whitening Strips and Gels from the drugstore

Whitening strips and gels contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient that whitens the teeth. There are multiple strengths available, ranging from about 10% hydrogen peroxide to 22% hydrogen peroxide. Most people achieve the best results after using a medium-strength solution of around 15% hydrogen peroxide at night for a few weeks. If you have sensitive teeth, you should use a mild-strength formula. In contrast, if your teeth are highly resistant to bleaching and you don't have periodontal disease or untreated caries, a higher strength solution may be what you need.

Custom-Made Dental Tray Tooth Whiteners

This is the go-to teeth whitening method for most individuals. It's not only the most economical method, but it is usually the most effective as well. Your cosmetic dentist in NYC will make a whitening tray that is specifically fitted to your mouth. You can then put the whitening gel in the tray, wear it at night, and your teeth will gradually lighten to the perfect shade. The custom-fit tray prevents the development of mouth sores and it also provides for a more even whitening effect.

In-Office Whitening

Different cosmetic dentists offer different "brands" of in-office whitening treatments, and most of these are rapid whitening techniques. In-office treatment can be expensive, and the rapid whitening process is more likely to cause sensitive teeth. The dentist will have to be highly skilled and trained at using the particular brand of product to prevent leaving the treatment on too long. Make sure you find a dentist with a tremendous amount of experience in offering successful teeth whitening solutions.

Tooth Whitening Methods - Which One Is Right For You? (Part-1)

If you're thinking about getting your teeth whitened, you should be aware of the many different options available to you.

Did you know that whitening your teeth can actually make you look up to ten years younger? It's a fact that we commonly associate a bright, white smile with youth, good health, and attractiveness. In contrast, we also associate yellowed or grayish teeth with aging, poor health, and relative unattractiveness. This is why so many people are either thinking about getting their teeth whitened or they already regularly whiten their teeth. Who wouldn't want to look younger, healthier, and more attractive without having to do a lot of work to achieve such a dramatic change in their appearance? It's much easier than attempting another new fad diet, going on an exercise craze, or getting a facelift!

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular services offered by cosmetic dentists in NYC, and it's no surprise. It's the simplest, least invasive, and the most affordable cosmetic dental procedure available. Most everyone likes to drink coffee, tea, soda, candies, or even smoke the occasional cigar. Unfortunately, all of these stain the teeth over time. Add on increasing age and certain medications such as tetracycline and chemotherapy, and some individuals end up with some terribly discolored teeth. The good news is that this can be fixed, and there are actually several options out there that can work.

Of course, there is no one single method that is best for everyone. Because we all have different genetics, different rates at which our teeth can be bleached, different amounts of staining and discoloration on our teeth, different lifestyles, and multiple other variables, the best tooth whitening solution for your friend may not be the best one for you. It's always a good idea to consult with a cosmetic dentist before you go out and purchase any teeth whitening products. You want to make a customized choice and not gamble with damaging your fragile tooth enamel with the wrong whitening product.

Do your research and speak with as many cosmetic dentists as you can before trying tooth whitening in NYC. Some individuals may require full strength teeth whitening gels if their teeth are highly resistant to accepting a bleaching treatment. A skilled cosmetic dentist should be able to determine beforehand if your teeth may be unusually difficult to bleach. On the other hand, you may need a light strength bleaching agent. If you have thinner enamel or already have sensitive teeth and gums, it's likely that if you choose a whitening solution that is too strong, you will end up with extreme pain and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Also, if you currently suffer from gum disease or if you have tooth colored fillings, porcelain veneers, crowns, or untreated dental caries; you should definitely not attempt whitening your teeth without the help of your cosmetic dentist. Just purchasing an over-the-counter whitening kit will result in a color mismatch between your restorations and your natural teeth. This could ultimately cause you to have to get all of your restorations re-done. It could also end up damaging your teeth and gums if you have untreated gum disease or dental caries.

Most tooth whitening gels contain between 10% and 22% peroxide (bleach). As a rule of thumb, if you have sensitive teeth or weaker enamel it is best to choose a 10% bleach solution or the weakest you can find. Most individuals require a solution somewhere in the middle - around 15%. Only a small minority will require a full strength solution with 20% or more peroxide. These full strength solutions are only for those people whose teeth are highly resistant to being bleached.

Another reason why it's wise to consult with a cosmetic dentist before trying any over-the-counter products is so your dentist can assess whether the discoloration in your teeth can be removed. Usually, stains are simply the result of drinking coffee every once in a while and increasing age. However, if you have ever had a root canal or if you have any undiscovered periodontal problems of dental caries, the staining may actually be caused by damage deep beneath the surface of the tooth. This darkening is deep beneath the enamel and cannot be removed. In such a case, you may require porcelain veneers to obtain a white color and also protect your tooth from further damage. In other cases, the tooth must be removed and replaced with a dental implant.