With access to good dental care, it is now possible to keep teeth healthier compared to past decades. Many people are now taking steps to keep their pearly whites prettier, too. This reader wants to know if there is a hidden downside to tooth whitening.
Q. Tooth whitening is now very popular. I certainly would like my teeth to look whiter, but I want to know if there are risks to one’s health from using a tooth whitening kit. If so, it would be preferable to not have bright shining teeth!
Tooth Whitening Options:
A. There are a number of options for making teeth whiter. The dentist can perform the bleaching procedure in the office or provide kits to use at home. You can also buy whitening strips over the counter.
All such products work through hydrogen peroxide. What differs is the concentration.
Check with Your Dentist:
It makes sense to check with your dentist first before you use a bleaching product. They have the potential to cause tooth sensitivity, for which the dentist can recommend sensitivity-reducing toothpaste.
If a tooth has a crack or a cavity, applying the bleaching product could result in significant pain. Whiteners only work on natural teeth, not on caps, crowns or fillings.
Watch Out for Re-Staining:
After bleaching, the teeth are more susceptible to re-staining, so wait several days before eating or drinking anything dark, such as wine, tea, coffee, blueberries or chocolate. Provided you don’t bleach too frequently (probably not more than twice a year), tooth whitening products seem safe and effective.
4/11/19 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/do-whitening-strips-damage-your-teeth/
