Is Teeth Whitening Safe? A Look at Methods and Side Effects

Teeth whitening is something that people are largely opting for all over the world. This is not only for cosmetic reasons, but also to boost their confidence, overall health, and oral hygiene. There are various methods used for teeth whitening, each catering to different needs and working differently. However, safety remains a pressing concern for each one. In this, we will discuss the different teeth whitening methods, revealing if they are safe to use while reflecting upon their potential side effects.

Bright Smile or Risky Move? Is Teeth Whitening Really Safe?

In recent years, the trend of teeth whitening has largely increased. From schools and offices to casual meetups and parties, people have made white teeth a universal symbol of aesthetics and dental well-being. While people opt for it to enhance the visual appeal of their smile, safety is something that they aren’t sure of. While generally teeth whitening is safe, people sometimes report symptoms such as teeth sensitivity, allergic reactions, and gum irritation after the process is done.

Popular Teeth Whitening Methods: From DIY Kits to Dentist Chairs

Different teeth whitening procedures can be used to enhance the aesthetics of your teeth. These include:

•       Over-the-counter Products: These include special toothpastes and strips you can find in the market to whiten your teeth. The results are not immediate and not as lasting as a professional treatment.
•       Professional Treatments: These include the in-office professional teeth whitening treatments done by a dentist. The results are generally prompt and long-lasting.
•       Natural Remedies: These include the home remedies in use for decades, such as using baking soda, charcoal, and coconut oil, for at-home teeth whitening.

It is important to remember, while every treatment differs, there are potential side effects that are common to each one.

Common Side Effects You Shouldn’t Ignore: Sensitivity, Irritation & More

Teeth whitening is generally seen as a harmless procedure, not causing any major harm or side effects to your teeth. However, certain side effects are commonly experienced by people after the procedure, particularly after in-office professional teeth whitening. The top one includes allergic reaction, weakening of the tooth enamel, gum irritation, and sensitivity. If you feel like you are facing these conditions to a severe extent, do not ignore them and reach out to a nearby dental care provider as early as possible.

Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Teeth sensitivity is a common condition faced by many people after getting teeth whitening done. It includes experiencing a sharp and shooting pain in the teeth upon interaction with hot, cold, sour, or sweet stimuli. While experienced very commonly, teeth sensitivity after the process is normal and not something to be majorly concerned about. It is usually for a short period and can be easily treated by either changing your toothpaste or using home remedies such as saltwater rinses and oil pulling. If none of the home remedies work and the teeth sensitivity persists, it can be a sign of some other underlying issue, so get it checked by a professional dentist.  

Final Verdict: Should You Go for That Whiter Smile?

Opting for teeth whitening is a decision that varies owing to personal preferences. While the process is great for enhancing your teeth's aesthetics, it can sometimes lead to results that can cause extreme pain and discomfort for you, even for a short time. It's always better you give more importance to the health of your teeth rather than their picture-perfect appearance. While opting for teeth whitening can be great, it should never be at the cost of damage to your pearly whites. So, before you opt for the process, do your research to make an informed decision. Make sure you opt for a top-rated general dentistry near me option, such as LiT Dental, to achieve promising results.

CONCLUSION

Teeth whitening is something that people are largely opting for all over the world, not only for cosmetic reasons, but also to boost their confidence, overall health, and oral hygiene. While generally teeth whitening is safe, people sometimes report symptoms such as teeth sensitivity, allergic reactions, and gum irritation after the process is done. If you feel like you are facing these conditions to a severe extent, do not ignore them and reach out to a nearby dental care provider as early as possible. You can count on LiT Dental for achieving promising dental results.