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
Over whitening your teeth can cause them to become translucent, making the yellowish colour of your dentin more visible. It can also make your teeth look blue or grey.
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.
What are the side effects of teeth whitening? ›
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.
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.
How long does it take to recover from teeth whitening? ›
Further, your gums may sting or appear slightly discolored for a few hours after the treatment. But, there is no need to get panic. This discomfort will disappear shortly, and you will get healed in 1-2 days following the Teeth Whitening Treatment in Pasadena.
Can whitening teeth damage them? ›
No. Although sensitivity is experienced due to the removal of the teeth stains, professional teeth whitening does not cause any threat to the enamel. The bleaching agent leaves the enamel in perfect condition while being able to remove deep stains.
Are there cons to teeth whitening? ›
Usually the result of ill-fitting trays, gum irritation and even gum burns can be caused by the strong whitening chemicals. Soft tissue burns can form in the throat and nausea may also occur. Like tooth sensitivity, this side effect is usually gone within three days after the whitening procedure.
Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on? ›
If you are pregnant or lactating, teeth whitening is not recommended. If you have sensitive teeth, you should let your dentist know. You may not be a candidate for teeth whitening.
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 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.
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 many times a year is it safe to whiten teeth? ›
We advise whitening your teeth just once a year, whether professionally or at home. This should keep sensitivity from becoming a problem while helping you maintain a white, natural-looking smile. Typically, the professional-grade whitening kits available from our dental office last about a year.
How long is it safe to whiten teeth? ›
As a general rule, it is recommended to leave whitening gel on your teeth for 30 minutes to 1 hour for first-time users and increase the wearing time if there is little or no tooth sensitivity. If your teeth are stained or very yellow, it will take longer to bleach them.
What happens if I leave teeth whitening strips on for too long? ›
Overextending the application time can lead to increased tooth sensitivity without delivering significant additional benefits. The recommended duration is typically mentioned in the product instructions, but it's essential to understand the factors that influence this timeframe.
How long should you leave teeth whitening in for? ›
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. After 30-60 minutes, remove and clean the trays with cold water.
Can you continuously whiten teeth? ›
Over-the-counter whitening systems are usually set up to be used for a maximum of ten to fourteen days in a row at a given time. However, some patients will experience chemical burns on their gums and tooth sensitivity if they fail to follow the instructions.
