Precautions and Risks Associated with Teeth Whitening

Sensitivity

Clearing may cause temporary sensitivity to temperature, pressure, and touch. This is most likely to occur during dental clarification when using a high concentration clarifier. Some patients feel sudden sharp pains in the middle of their front teeth.

People with receding gums, large cracked teeth or treatment errors are most at risk for whitening sensitivity. Redheads have also been found to be at risk even if they do not have any other risk factors.

Sensitivity caused by bleaching lasts a day or two, but in some cases it can take up to a month. Some dentists recommend a toothpaste for sensitive teeth that contains potassium nitrate.

Gum irritation

More than half of those who have used hydrogen peroxide have experienced some degree of gum irritation caused by bleach concentration or exposure to whitening pads. Such irritation lasts up to several days, gradually disappearing after the cessation of clarification or a decrease in the concentration of peroxide.

"Tooth discoloration"

Cosmetic restorations, crowns or porcelain veneers are not affected by brighteners and thus retain their original color after bleaching of the surrounding teeth. This can cause what is known as "teeth discoloration".
Maintaining whitening results

To prolong the effect of teeth whitening, dentists recommend the following:

• Teeth whitening at home: applied immediately after the whitening procedure or once a year.
• Restrict the consumption of dark-colored foods and drinks for at least a week after the whitening procedure.
• Whenever possible, drink dark drinks through a straw. Oral hygiene: brushing and flossing after meals and before bed.

Warnings

In addition to the risks listed above, the following warnings should be taken into account before undergoing a whitening procedure:

• No amount of bleach will give you "unnatural" whiteness.
• The whitening results are fully visible two weeks after the procedure. This applies to those who want to get crowns and choose the right color for them.
• If cosmetic restoration, porcelain veneers and other restoration procedures are included in your plans, they should not be prescribed less than two weeks after clarification, so as not to make a mistake in color selection.
• To avoid multi-color effects, it may be necessary to replace all elements of the restoration of teeth after bleaching.
• Gum recession often results in yellowing of the root surface of the gum line. This yellowness is very difficult to remove.

Teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as the effect of ingested bleach on the fetus or child has not yet been established.