Whitening products can have multiple side effects, such as damaging tooth enamel, causing gum irritation, tooth sensitivity, and more. Some of these effects are long-lasting; for example, damage to tooth enamel is permanent and irreversible. Teeth whitening treatments can cause side effects, but they don't last unless you bleach your teeth too much and do it all the time. If you overdo it, your teeth can become sensitive.
Teeth whitening treatments can cause side effects because over-the-counter whitening products contain a whitening ingredient, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Used correctly, whitening ingredients will reduce or eliminate yellowing or stains. Gum irritation is usually caused by a buildup of plaque where the teeth and gums meet, often caused by poor brushing habits or excessive pricking with a toothpick. Certain whitening kits may exacerbate gum irritation due to high concentrations of peroxide, which serves as a whitening agent. Gum irritation can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including bleeding, sensitivity to cold, and a burning sensation.
Over the years, the Australian Competition Consumer Commission has recalled certain home whitening kits because they contain potentially dangerous levels of hydrogen peroxide. The side effects of teeth whitening are often hypersensitivity, gum irritation, tooth pain, and uneven tone. Most of them are usually temporary and go away within a few days. Both professional and household whitening products cause certain adverse side effects, but they tend to go away over time. This is why you should talk to your dentist about any product you are about to use to avoid serious complications. Although professional whitening causes side effects, it's still the safest and most effective whitening treatment.
Studies on the side effects of teeth whitening indicate that hypersensitivity and gum irritation are common side effects after professional whitening. Among the most common and potential side effects of professional teeth whitening is hypersensitivity. The main reason for tooth sensitivity is exposure to high levels of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Bleaching agents alter enamel and that is what makes teeth sensitive to high temperatures. The severity of tooth sensitivity depends largely on the patient's dental condition.
For example, a person who already has sensitive teeth or poor oral health is more likely to suffer from high sensitivity after whitening. Conversely, a person who takes care of their teeth may suffer from hypersensitivity for one to two weeks. Factors directly proportional to the severity of side effects in patients are the duration of treatment, the percentage of peroxide, etc. During a whitening treatment, safety equipment is of utmost importance because it protects the gums and other areas of the mouth from whitening agents. This is because a small amount of bleaching agents, even diluted, can be dispersed and temporarily irritate the gums. Gum irritation is one of the most common side effects and it's completely normal to feel mild irritation for at least a day or two, as the agent can irritate the gums.
However, if it exceeds approximately 48 hours, see your dentist as soon as possible. People with sensitive teeth are at greater risk of irritating their gums after treatment. The American Dental Association recommends that dentists avoid administering anesthesia during treatment. It helps dentists detect when and if whitening material comes into contact with gum tissue and begins to irritate them. A rare but possible side effect of teeth whitening is loss of enamel surface or enamel erosion.
Enamel erosion can occur during and after treatment due to excessive use of bleaching agents. The whitening formula normally contains fluoride, potassium nitrate and calcium, which protect against enamel erosion and surface loss. If the formula does not contain these agents, there is a greater risk of enamel loss. However, this side effect is rare and only in cases of dental inexperience and in patients with sensitive teeth. Tooth pain after teeth whitening is usually temporary and doesn't last longer than 48 hours.
This pain is a side effect correlated with enamel erosion, but how? If the dentist is inexperienced, the teeth are exposed and subject to external agents. This is manifested as tooth pain that sometimes worsens over time. Many times people also feel mild pain or discomfort after teeth whitening. This is one of the least common side effects of teeth whitening but it can happen any time after treatment. A common reason for this side effect is thin enamel or other conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth decay etc.
If someone experiences unbearable pain that lasts longer than 48 hours they should see their dentist immediately. There are many types of whitening treatments available today. Tooth whitening with zoom is one of them and is popularly known as an electric whitening method. Zoom whitening is an in-office whitening method and most dental clinics offer it today. Like other whitening methods, whitening with zoom can also cause certain side effects during or after treatment. Side effects of teeth whitening with Zoom include sensitive or painful gums, throbbing pain, tooth sensitivity, burning sensation changes in enamel etc.
The reasons for these side effects vary from person to person and their overall oral health. For example a person who already suffers from sensitivity is more likely to experience gum pain or irritation however experienced dentists make sure to minimize this pain by using fluoride during and after treatment. It's normal to have mild sensitivity after using whitening strips trays or pens it can last at least one day with mild sensations later on ideally it should not last more than 48 hours you will notice sensitivity to very hot or very cold foods and drinks. There can be many reasons for this side effect but it's mainly due to exposure to hydrogen peroxide another possible reason may be an allergic reaction to peroxides sometimes it's also because people overuse homemade whitening products that causes enamel erosion among over-the-counter products whitening strips are perhaps the most popular.
