Is It Safe to Whiten Your Teeth? Insights from a Teeth Whitening Dentist in Sauganash, Chicago

Teeth whitening dentist in Sauganash Chicago

There’s no denying that a sparkling smile is one of the best ways to boost one’s confidence. Unfortunately, everything from a cup of coffee to a glass of red wine comes with a risk of staining your teeth.

As people start exploring the various teeth whitening options that are available, they often begin to wonder whether it’s truly safe to whiten their teeth in the first place? To that end, this teeth whitening dentist in Sauganash, Chicago is going to discuss everything you’ll need to know below.

Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?

Millions of people use teeth whitening products. In fact, between 2016 and 2021, the global market for cosmetic teeth bleaching had a growth of $630 million.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there are several teeth whitening solutions that are both safe and effective — and these options are available for in-office, at-home, and over-the-counter (OTC) applications. However, teeth whitening can occasionally cause a few minor side effects. These include:

Irritated Gums

Teeth whitening products often contain hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide (also known as urea-hydrogen peroxide) as their primary active ingredients. Teeth whitening treatments recommended by your Sauganash dentist — whether an in-office teeth whitening procedure or at-home whitening kits — generally contain higher concentrations of these bleaching agents.

Bleach can irritate your gums. Fortunately, your teeth whitening dentist in Sauganash, Chicago will take extra precautions to protect your gum tissue.

When you have your teeth whitened at the dental office, a protective gel is applied to your gums to keep the bleaching agent away from them. Similarly, at-home whitening kits are designed to perfectly fit your teeth, ensuring that a minimum amount of gel is brought into contact with your gums.

Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth are another common side effect that can occur after teeth bleaching. The ADA suggests that pulp inflammation brought on by peroxide exposure during teeth whitening treatment might cause this sensitivity.

The severity of the sensitivity can be affected by multiple factors, such as the concentration of peroxide, dental restorations, or even the intensity of light used.

The sensitivity will probably go away on its own, but here are some things you can try if it does not:

  • Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth
  • Shorten the amount of time spent wearing teeth whitening trays or strips
  • Remineralize your teeth by requesting a fluoride treatment from your Sauganash teeth whitening dentist
  • Putting the whitening treatment on hold for a few days to give the teeth time to adapt

Effects on Dental Restorations

Teeth whitening procedures can have unintended consequences on dental restorations (also known as dental fillings). However, the effects will vary depending on the material used.

Depending on the concentration of peroxide used, the amount of time that it was applied, and the age of the dental fillings, the peroxide could speed up the amount of mercury leached from the fillings. However, the concentration of mercury that leached is still not at a level that could be associated with potential health risks. 

Additionally, some materials — such as those used for dental crowns and implants — exhibit the highest resistance to peroxide.

If you are worried about the impact teeth whitening treatments will have on your dental restorations, you should consult with your teeth whitening dentist in Sauganash, Chicago about the best course of action.

Conclusion

Is it safe to whiten your teeth? Yes, it can be!

Treat your teeth whitening procedure like you would any other medical treatment — pay attention to your Sauganash dentist, carefully follow their instructions, and keep an eye out for any side effects. Then, you will be able to whiten your teeth safely and effectively, bringing out the best in your smile.

Looking for a Teeth Whitening Dentist in Sauganash, Chicago?

Are you interested in having your teeth whitened by a professional? If so, and if you’re looking for the best teeth whitening dentist in Sauganash, Chicago, Smile Innovations is the place to visit.

During your initial visit, Dr. Gordon J. Ziols (DDS, FAGD) will closely examine your teeth and gums to ensure you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, explain the procedure to you, and schedule your future appointment. Contact our office today at (773) 763-1000 to get started.