Let’s be honest! Everyone wants a whiter, brighter, and a beautiful smile. Obviously, your smile is the first thing people notice about you. But sadly, your dietary habits, age, and other factors can cause discoloration of your teeth over time.
Many people use whitening agents to whiten their teeth. But the question arises, ‘Can whitening damage tooth enamel?’ Read on to find out.
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure in which a gel containing hydrogen peroxide and bleach is placed in your mouth for twenty to thirty minutes. A bright light is introduced in your mouth to speed up the whitening process. The whole process of teeth whitening takes about only 1 hour.
Will Professional Teeth Whitening Harm My Tooth Enamel?
Many studies have shown that professional teeth whitening does not affect the tooth enamel. But your concern about the enamel decay cannot end here. People who have thin enamel might not be ideal candidates for teeth whitening. Your dentist will assess the enamel of your teeth first and then recommend whether you can proceed with teeth whitening treatment. They will only perform a teeth whitening procedure if you have adequate tooth enamel.
Risks Associated With Teeth Whitening
Like other medical treatments, teeth whitening also has some risks and side effects.
Here are some common side effects of teeth whitening:
Tooth Sensitivity
Whitening agents can cause temporary or permanent damage to the outer layer of the teeth. This makes the teeth more sensitive. Therefore, hot or cold food should be avoided after the treatment to reduce discomfort.
Gum Irritation
You may experience gum irritation during teeth whitening because of the bleaching products. It usually happens when you use home kits. These bleaching agents irritate the gums and cause discomfort. Therefore, it is important to avoid using whitening products over and over.
Additionally, you can use a custom-fitted tray from a dental professional to reduce the risk of gum irritation.
Enamel Damage
The enamel is a protective layer of your teeth that fights against the bacteria and protects them from decay. However, teeth whitening treatments can damage the enamel if not done correctly.
Enamel damage increases sensitivity and causes pain or white spots on your teeth. Therefore, you should consult your dentist before applying any teeth whitening product.
Final Verdict: Can Teeth Whitening Damage Tooth Enamel?
When teeth whitening is done correctly and under the supervision of your dentist, it will not cause harm. Otherwise, doing it yourself may damage your tooth enamel and cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. Always seek medical advice before applying teeth whitening products.
At Bay Colony Dental, you can get the best dental advice. We are just a call away. Contact us at (281) 337-9000.