You may think that teeth whitening is something new, but people have always experimented with ways to brighten their smiles. In fact, the ancient Romans used a particularly unappealing method: swishing with urine. Fortunately for us, teeth whitening today is a lot more sanitary, not to mention more effective! But one common question is, “Is it safe to whiten my teeth?” The short answer to that question is yes; as long as you choose the right type of whitening. Read on to learn about potential health risks and what your safest and most effective options are.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Professional whitening products are absolutely safe. These products have undergone extensive testing and have been approved by the American Dental Association. They also contain ingredients like topical fluoride that strengthen the enamel, reduce sensitivity, and benefit the overall health of the teeth.
With that said, some patients may experience the following temporary issues from whitening:
- Gum irritation – Whitening gel is designed to be in contact with the teeth, not the gums. If whitening trays aren’t worn properly at home and the gel is touching the gums, mild irritation can occur. You can minimize this by closely following the instructions from your dentist or simply postponing whitening for a day or two while your gums heal.
- Hot/cold sensitivity – Whitening opens the “pores” of the teeth for several days to a week, temporarily increasing temperature sensitivity in some people. Again, professional treatments include ingredients to minimize this.
It’s also important to note that there are several “DIY whitening” methods that are not safe. This includes using acidic or abrasive ingredients like lemon juice, pumice, or apple cider vinegar. These ingredients wear away at your enamel, which increases your risk of cavities and sensitivity and also makes your teeth appear darker over time.
Which Type of Teeth Whitening Is Right For You?
Whitening products from a dentist are not only safe but also stronger and more effective than store-bought options. When you have your teeth professionally whitened, you can expect a smile that’s 2 to 7 shades whiter (depending on your initial shade and the type of whitening that you choose). The best way to know what’s right for you is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, who may recommend one of the following choices:
- Disposable take-home trays – These one-size-fits-all trays are perfect for milder stains and discoloration. You’ll get 10 sets of trays and wear one each day for 20 minutes at a time.
- Custom take-home trays – To use custom trays, you can get started in just two visits. At the first appointment, impressions are taken. Then you’ll pick up your trays 1-2 weeks later, along with professional-strength whitening gel, and wear them at home for 4-8 hours a day (or overnight for best results). Most people are done in 10-14 days. You can also re-use these trays to touch up your results as often as you’d like.
- Icon whitening – If you have stubborn “white spots” or more severe types of staining, an Icon treatment may be perfect. For this procedure, a dentist removes a small amount of surface enamel to create a smooth, uniform surface before applying a whitening solution. This gives you a superior result than what you could get from whitening alone.
With whitening from an experienced dentist, you’ll get safe, reliable results that look fantastic. It’s too bad the ancient Romans weren’t as lucky!
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft is an award-winning dentist who’s known for providing beautiful cosmetic results. She knows that each patient is unique and offers a variety of high-quality whitening products to fit everyone’s needs. If you want to safely and reliably whiten your smile or have any questions, you can reach Dr. Bancroft via her website.