Will teeth whitening treatments damage my teeth?
Dr. D.Sendhil Nathan MDS, DNB Prosthodontics And Implantology
This has been a question that has puzzled many minds! Whilst there is no conclusive evidence that proves that whitening treatments damage your teeth or adversely affect your health in any way, it is not a simple question to answer either.
In this article, let us discuss in detail why some teeth whitening treatments increase the risk of damage to your teeth:
Arguments and facts against teeth whitening
- Most human teeth are generally not pearl-white and it is unnatural to bleach your teeth to a colour that is distinct from your natural one.
- There is a good chance that teeth whitening with bleaching products can put your teeth at unnecessary risk.
- Containing hydrogen peroxide, bleaching products attack the sensitive layer in your teeth and damage the outermost layer in your teeth.
- Hydrogen peroxide, if used in excess can also cause damage to hair and scalp.
- There is a very good chance that teeth whitening might increase tooth sensitivity and cause possible damage to the root of your teeth.
- Teeth whitening is not permanent. Regular consumption of food and soft drinks gradually erode the white colour present in your teeth.
Having said that, teeth whitening procedures are widely used as an effective way to counter stains present in teeth. There are several teeth whitening procedures that are used currently. You can either visit your dentist for teeth cleaning procedure or use a try-at-home teeth whitening product.
As long as the method used to clean your teeth is conventional and you take precautions to follow the doctor’s advise diligently, you will be fine. If you are about to consult a dentist, here are some things to note:
- Understand your goals from the procedure.
- Check with your dentist on the type of discolouration you are facing.
- Understand the cost of the procedure and check out all the options before making a final decision.
- Ask him/her on what you need to do after the procedure.
Some common precautions to follow if you are whitening your teeth:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
- Use a fluoride-rich toothpaste.
- Wearing a tray in your mouth if necessary.
- Use a sensitive toothpaste whenever you can.
In conclusion, it depends. Teeth whitening treatments are widely considered to be a safe option if used as per your doctor’s advice. Make sure that you follow proper oral hygiene and don’t go overboard with teeth whitening procedures and you will be just fine.
