With more and more people using teeth whitening products, it is natural to ask
whether there are any dangers in whitening teeth. It turns out that there are a
few. Most arise from incorrect application of whitening products.
The idea of whitening teeth is not entirely new - people have been doing it in
one form or another for a long time. In recent years, it has gained immense
popularity. Everyone wants teeth like those of their favorite movie star. And
many teeth whitening processes can produce teeth that are at least a few shades
lighter. As a result, we find more and more people with bright, confident
smiles.
As the years pass, everyone's teeth tend to become yellow or at least, off
white. This happens even when we consume a sensible diet. However, if we drink
excessive amounts of coffee, tea, red wine, etc, the yellowing process speeds up
considerably. Smoking can damage teeth putting heavy stains on them. To undo the
damage, many individuals choose to use teeth whitening products.
The dentist has several ways to whiten your teeth. He or she can use lasers
combined with a special gel to lighten teeth color. There are chemical agents
that can produce whiter teeth. Some involve using a teeth tray to fit over your
teeth which contain whitening substances. There are also whitening toothpastes,
over-the-counter whitening trays, bleaching substances and many other kinds of
products available on the market.
Dentists and healthcare professionals tend to agree that whitening teeth is a
relatively safe process. There are practically no dangers involved. When a
professionally competent dentist implements a whitening procedure, he or she
follows the right process using the right combinations of chemicals, lasers,
cleaning and other procedures.
The dangers in whitening teeth arise from the incorrect use of over-the-counter
products. This can result in impaired oral health.
Teeth whitening products bought in the market usually have detailed instructions
on how to use them. If you do not follow these instructions, you can put your
teeth at risk.
Always use trays that fit correctly. Using trays that are not of the right size
/ alignment can damage your teeth. Leaving a tray on the teeth longer than
recommended can also damage teeth. So can a tray that allows the whitening agent
to spill out into your mouth. Other teeth whitening products if used in excess
of the recommended quantities can do damage as well. These are the real dangers
in whitening teeth.
There are specific dangers associated with the incorrect use of whitening
products.
If the chemical agent used in the whitening tray spills out, it can burn the
tissues of your gums or other parts of the mouth. Swallowing these chemicals can
result in a severe stomach upset. It can also cause nausea, dizziness and
vomiting.
Many teeth whitening products have bleaching agents. Using these produces in
excess can do serious damage to nerve endings. The result can be extreme
sensitivity to cold and hot substances. Some people's teeth even become
sensitive to the outside temperature. Overuse of bleaching products may also
result in loss of teeth.
These are some of the dangers in whitening teeth. The best way to guard against
these problems is to go to a dentist for your teeth whitening needs. Following
the proper procedures will minimize any risks involved.
If you do choose to use over-the-counter products, make sure you follow
instructions precisely. It pays to make extra efforts to avoid the dangers in
whitening teeth.
