There are so many ways to get a whiter smile these days. From over-the-counter whitening strips to a professional whitening treatment from your dentist in Rocky Mount, getting a bright, white smile is no longer reserved for only celebrities. Usually, we interpret a white smile as a healthy, attractive smile, but can you whiten your teeth too much? Let’s find out.
Over-Whitening Is Possible
Even though we all strive for a beautiful, white smile, there is such a thing as over-whitening. In fact, teeth that are too white can have the opposite effect that we were trying to achieve in the first place and can cause some problems. Some common negatives that go along with over-whitening include:
- Enamel Erosion – Enamel erosion can occur from too much exposure to whitening ingredients. Enamel erosion increases the risk of decay as well as other oral problems including darker teeth and sensitivity, which we’ll take a look at next.
- Darker Teeth – As the enamel erodes away it can also cause teeth to appear more translucent as more of the naturally darker inner tooth becomes visible.
- Tooth Sensitivity – Additionally, a lack of tooth enamel leaves teeth at increased risk for sensitivity. Sometimes, over-whitening can lead to constant tooth sensitivity and a lot of pain.
- Gum Irritation – If too much of the whitening solution makes contact with the gum tissue it can cause irritation.
An easy, yet unofficial way to find out how white your teeth should be is to try to match them to the whites of your eyes.
How to Safely Whiten Your Smile
Even though there can be negative side effects of over-whitening, you shouldn’t let that stop you from getting a whiter smile, but you should start by talking with your dentist in Rocky Mount. Together, you can find the best way to whiten your teeth. Some common whitening treatments include:
- Whitening Strips can be a cheaper option but are not custom-fitted which could lead to a higher risk of irritation and sensitivity.
- Whitening Trays tend to be a bit more expensive than strips but come with similar concerns of irritation and sensitivity.
- In-Office Professional Whitening is probably the fastest way to get a whiter smile. Plus, since it’s done at your dentist’s office, you have a trained professional guiding you through the entire treatment.
Once you decide on a treatment, make sure you read and follow any directions of your chosen product. Never leave a whitening product on longer than recommended as this can increase the risk of gum irritation, cause sensitivity, and can damage enamel. Stop use of the whitening treatment if you do have any sensitivity or irritation and talk with your dentist.
There are many different ways you can get a brighter smile, but you can whiten your teeth too much which can lead to larger problems. We always recommend starting your journey to a whiter smile by scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Rocky Mount. If traditional smile whitening treatments aren’t appropriate for you, we can explore additional cosmetic dentistry options that can still transform your smile.
FAQs
While your teeth won't fall out if you bleach them too much, it doesn't mean you should do it too frequently. Those who overbleach often have an increased likelihood of decay, and overbleaching can cause side effects, such as temporary tooth sensitivity and pain.
What happens if I use too much teeth whitening? ›
If you've left your teeth whitening gel on for too long and are worried that it might have caused damage to your teeth, try not to fret. You may notice some slight sensitivity of the teeth, white spots on the gum or white flecks on teeth, or numbness on the gumline.
Can you overdo 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.
Can you whiten your teeth too often? ›
Dentists recommend getting whitening treatment once a year or so for most patients to keep their smiles looking aesthetically pleasing. Whitening teeth too often could cause certain oral health concerns, such as worn-down enamel.
Is there a limit on how white your teeth can get? ›
How White Can Your Teeth Get? There's no definitive answer to this question as it largely depends on individual factors. However, most dentists use a shade guide to determine the level of whiteness that can be achieved.
How damaging is teeth whitening? ›
“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.
Do teeth become weak after whitening? ›
The Whitening Process & Why It Dehydrates Teeth
The tooth's pores are now open and exposed to the outside environment. This raises the internal temperature of the teeth, resulting in a loss of moisture and making them prone to dehydration and other vulnerabilities, including tooth pain and sensitivity.
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.
Why do my teeth look more yellow after whitening? ›
Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.
What shouldn't you do after teeth whitening? ›
The following are some ways you can optimize your investment and get the most out of the in-office teeth whitening treatment.
- Avoid drinking colored beverages. ...
- Don't eat dark colored food. ...
- Avoid acidic food. ...
- Brush your teeth regularly. ...
- Cut out tobacco use. ...
- 7 Causes of Bleeding Gums. ...
- 7 Causes of Bleeding Gums.
Therefore, if the enamel wears away, this makes the edges are translucent. Few people believe that when you put teeth whitening strips or trays in your mouth for a long time than required, it can lead to the erosion of your tooth enamel, and hence, your teeth appear translucent.
How many years does teeth whitening last? ›
Although teeth whitening is not permanent, it can last for many years. In-office whitening treatments typically last up to 3 years; professional at-home whitening treatment is less long lasting, but it results in much longer-term results than over-the-counter whitening treatments, toothpastes, and whitening strips.
How do you rehydrate teeth after whitening? ›
Drink Plenty of Water : The most simple and effective way to rehydrate your teeth after whitening is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps replenish the moisture levels in your mouth and promotes saliva production, which aids in washing away acid and bacteria.
How do celebrities get their teeth so white? ›
If you see celebrities with perfectly white, straight, and uniform-looking teeth, they likely have veneers. Unlike teeth whitening, veneers are more permanent. There are various types of materials used, but porcelain and composite are the most common types.
What gets teeth the whitest? ›
For your benefit, we've provided you with seven different ways to naturally whiten your teeth.
- Eat Strawberries. ...
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
- Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
- Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Apply Coconut Oil. ...
- Brush Your Tongue. ...
- Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.
Soft tissue or gum irritation caused by teeth whitening gel is considered a chemical burn, very comparable to a sunburn. When a chemical burn occurs, the area becomes mildly sore, turns white, and will eventually flake off. The tissue will return to normalcy within twenty-four hours.
Is it bad to use too many whitening products? ›
Using whitening products too frequently can cause problems. The common side effects of whitening, teeth sensitivity, and gum irritation typically subside by the fourth day after treatment. However, if you use whitening kits too often, you may find these problems lasting longer.
What happens if you leave a teeth whitener on too long? ›
Tooth Sensitivity
Typically, this occurs when your whitening trays have been left in too long or you have whitened your teeth too many days in a row. It can be resolved by making sure you only leave your trays in for the recommended period of time.
Is it bad to use too many whitening strips? ›
Gum Problems
If you get too much contact with your gums and the strips it can damage them. Whitening strips have been known to cause swelling, bleeding, and other problems when used for too long or in the wrong way.
Can teeth whitening be too white? ›
However, it can also be overdone, resulting in teeth that look artificially white and unnatural. Many patients simply aren't sure when they should stop whitening. They want their teeth to look whiter but have a hard time identifying the right shade of white to aim for.
There are so many ways to get a whiter smile these days. From over-the-counter whitening strips to a professional whitening treatment from your dentist in Rocky Mount, getting a bright, white smile is no longer reserved for only celebrities. Usually, we interpret a white smile as a healthy, attractive smile, but can you whiten your teeth too much? Let’s find out.