Teeth Whitening: Is It Safe on Tooth Enamel? (2024)
We all want a white brighter smile. But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel.
The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out. The active ingredient in the whitening product will go through the enamel and into the second layer of the tooth called the dentin. The product begins working to reverse staining or discoloration, essentially bleaching that second layer. After the treatment, the tooth then rehydrates naturally from our saliva. It’s important to remember when using whitening treatments to avoid stain-enhancing foods/drinks while the tooth is re-hydrating.
This process does not damage the tooth layers or integrity of the tooth, but can sometimes lead to temporary tooth sensitivity.
Temporary sensitivity is normal. Some people develop temporary sensitivity in the gums or teeth when using whitening products. That’s not a sign of long-term damage, but it can be uncomfortable. If it happens to you, consider taking a break from bleaching or switching to a milder product. Again, talk to your dentist for the right advice.
ADA seal of approval– The ADA seal of approval ensures that the product has been tested for safety and effectiveness.
Follow instructions– Always follow a product’s instructions, as some products are to be used more frequently or for longer periods of time than others.
Consult with your dentist– Consult with your dentist to determine that your teeth are healthy and ready to start a whitening treatment. It is important to avoid whitening if you have any active decay or dental diseases. There are also certain types of staining that respond well to whitening, and some that don’t. Yellow/Brown staining from external causes (coffee, tea, etc.) responds well to whitening treatments. Grey staining from internal causes (medications, developmental defects) does not respond as well to whitening treatments. Your dental provider can give you an idea of what to expect from the different types of whitening treatments.
Listen to your teeth– If you begin to experience sensitivity, take a break from your treatments or whiten for shorter lengths of time. And/or combine with a “sensitive” toothpaste.
There are three general types of whitening products–
Administered by your dentist
Dispensed by your dental for use at home
Dispensed over the counter or made at home without the oversight of your dentist
You may choose a certain whitening method due to factors such as type of staining you have, dental history (fillings and crowns), treatment method, cost.
Although over-the-counter treatments are less expensive, they may require a longer treatment period, and be less effective than professional whitening treatments.
Does whitening toothpaste alone whiten teeth? No. But toothpaste with stain defense- such as a pumice texture (baking soda toothpaste, crest 3D white, etc) will do a better job of cleansing surface stains if used regularly.
Our office offers three different options for teeth whitening.
ZOOM! In-office whitening – This is a one-visit appointment in our office. The appointment involves having the ZOOM! whitening gel placed on the teeth, and then four 15 minute cycles of whitening under our specialized light system. After the four cycles, you will leave with a noticeably whiter smile! We also include custom-fit bleaching trays to use after treatment to maintain your new whiter smile at home.
Custom-fit bleaching trays – These are whitening trays that are custom-made for your teeth. The trays go on comfortably, and our professional-grade bleaching gel goes into the trays. Bleach gel refills are $15 making this a very cost-efficient option for long-term results.
“Opalescence GO” trays – These are a one-size-fits-all whitening option. Each treatment includes an upper and lower tray that has a professional-grade whitening gel inside. These are one-time use only and are disposable after each use.
If you are interested in which whitening option is best for you, have questions about your current whitening regimen, or need to find out if your teeth are healthy to start a whitening regimen; call our office at 417-885-7040 or schedule an appointment online.
We would love to help you achieve a smile you love!
While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel. The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out. The active ingredient in the whitening product will go through the enamel and into the second layer of the tooth called the dentin.
You could try using natural remedies such as baking soda or apple cider vinegar to remove surface stains from your teeth. Finally, you could visit your dentist for a professional whitening treatment that uses special gels and lasers to safely brighten your smile without damaging enamel.
But if you have thin enamel or discolored dentin, these whitening products will only serve to do more harm than good. The rule of thumb is the thinner your enamel, the darker the dentin will be, which means your teeth appear more yellow.
Teeth whitening typically does not cause enamel loss. However, existing enamel damage may be exacerbated if present before whitening treatment. It's crucial to follow proper usage guidelines to minimise risks.
These whitening strips offer the benefits of Crest's whitening strips but without harsh ingredients like peroxide. Instead, these strips break up and lift stains using ingredients like sage oil, coconut oil, sea salt, and lemon peel oil.
Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.
Interesting fact: although almost anything else can be regenerated, our bodies can't naturally regenerate enamel. Once enamel has eroded, it's gone. The best way to keep enamel strong is by maintaining proper oral hygiene.
However, teeth whitening treatments can cause damage to the enamel if not done correctly or overused. Enamel damage can lead to increased sensitivity, pain, and white spots on your teeth. It's essential to consult with a dentist before using any teeth whitening products to ensure they're safe for your teeth.
Even though you can't reverse enamel erosion and shouldn't whiten at home to reduce yellowing, you can still change the look of your smile. The dentist can bond a tooth-colored material to the damaged area to create a smooth, pearly white finish.
Share: This is an automatically translated article. Yellow teeth greatly affect aesthetics, causing loss of confidence when communicating. However, you do not need to worry too much about yellowing teeth, because yellow teeth can be completely whitened by modern dental methods and technologies.
Your body cannot make new enamel; however, you can strengthen and repair existing enamel. This happens through a process called remineralization, which naturally occurs when essential minerals like fluoride, calcium, and phosphate reunite with your enamel.
Here are a few to consider: Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.
The PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and carbomer used in Crest Whitestrips (for sticking to the teeth) are generally fairly safe and non-toxic. However, overuse of these products can irritate the gums and damage enamel.
The most common teeth whitening side effect is tooth sensitivity. This often subsides within a few days to a week after treatment. Other potential side effects include gum irritation, redness, and soreness in the mouth. These side effects are also typically temporary and will resolve on their own.
As the enamel wears away it will expose the dentin underneath. This leads to sensitivity and a yellow appearance. An at-home whitening product won't repair the enamel or cover the dentin.
Your dentist may recommend a post-whitening fluoride treatment, especially if you have sensitive teeth. Fluoride works to restore minerals onto the tooth's surfaces after dental procedures like tooth whitening. This treatment helps with preventing future re-staining and long-term tooth sensitivity.
Avoid doing so for as long as you experience pain. This happens because peroxide can cause significant damage to the protective enamel of teeth if used too often or in too-high concentrations. More serious side effects of hydrogen peroxide whitening include inflammation of the teeth roots in the gums.
Introduction: My name is Rueben Jacobs, I am a cooperative, beautiful, kind, comfortable, glamorous, open, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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