Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that is generally considered safe. It is a great way to brighten your smile and remove stains caused by ageing, smoking and eating coloured foods. 

However, as teeth whitening is a medical procedure, it does come with some risks. These risks should be taken into consideration before you undergo the treatment.

Teeth Whitening: At Home & In The Office

Whitening your teeth in a dental office with a trained professional is arguably the safest way to attain a gleaming smile. Using high-grade bleaching gels activated by special lights and lasers, your dentist will help you to achieve significantly brighter results in a short period of time.

You can also opt for an at-home whitening kit. Smile White use a prescription strength 16% carbamide peroxide gel that is 32 x more potent than what is found in online kits. Paired with our SuperFit™ whitening trays that fit your teeth like a glove, we deliver long-lasting results that last up to 12 months. Plus, our teeth whitening treatment is prescribed by dentists registered with the GDC (General Dental Council), so you can be sure that your teeth won’t suffer.

What Are The Risks Of Teeth Whitening?

The most common risk of teeth whitening is pain caused by eating and drinking hot or cold food. However, this discomfort should subside over a few days. Use sensitive toothpaste and mouthwash to manage this temporary pain. Something else to note is that you may also experience burns to the gums.

No matter what tooth whitening treatment you choose, there is a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used. If your teeth are already sensitive, this chance is increased. 

Should I Avoid DIY Teeth Whitening Kits?

As they lack proper testing, DIY whitening kits come with extra risks. Some sets use abrasive pastes and gels to whiten the surface of your teeth, which may damage your enamel and lead to pain. Other kits use generic whitening trays that are easily overfilled, causing the whitening gel to spill onto your gums. This can contribute to soreness and blistering.

Is Teeth Whitening Right For Me?

There are a few factors that may make you ineligible for teeth whitening. For example, if you are under the age of 18, you cannot undergo the treatment. In addition to this, you must have healthy teeth and gums. This is because this specific procedure can cause irritation. Whitening is also not advised if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Finally, you cannot whiten crowns, dentures, veneers and bridges. If this is a concern, be sure to consult with your dentist before being fitted with any of the above.

Conclusion:

To help ensure a safe procedure and optimal results, it is important that you follow instructions set by your dentist and raise any concerns you may have. Only choose whitening treatments administered by dental professionals and avoid DIY kits that seem too good to be true. If you are looking to whiten your teeth, book a free e-consultation with Smile White to get your journey started.