Teeth Whitening: Benefits and Side Effects

Teeth whitening products are very popular these days along with the growth of new technology that provides easy treatment to stained teeth.  Tooth whitening, also called dental bleaching is a common produce in general dentistry but most specifically in the field of cosmetic dentistry.  When we were children, our teeth are whiter, but as we aged, it becomes stained because of decreasing oral health and the changing mineral structure of our tooth.  The enamel in our teeth becomes less porous and bacteria build up is increased as we grow old especially for those people with poor oral hygiene.

Tobacco, caffeine and certain antibiotic and medications like tetracycline can also stain our teeth and reduce the brilliance of the enamel. 

There are different methods to whiten our teeth, like bleaching strips, bleaching pen, gel and laser bleaching.  These are available in our dental hygienists or dentists. At home, we can also apply bleaching gel to our teeth using thin guard trays.  Oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can use to whiten teeth.  These oxidizing agents will penetrate to the dentin layer so the effect is a whiter tooth that can last for several months.   Depending on your lifestyle, teeth can remain clear white when we practice oral care regularly.

We should also take extra precautions in using whitening or bleaching tooth agents as it has also some side effects and may also cause risks especially if there is no advice or instruction from a professional dental care provider.  Chemical burns from bleaching gel may happen if not taken with extra precaution.  Too much bleaching can also be harmful and may cause a rebound effect or losing the bleached effect, especially with intensive treatments. 

Home tooth bleaching agents can slightly reduce tooth enamel and occurrence of temporary tooth sensitivity may increase.  Tissue irritation is the most common side effects but usually will go away within 1 to 3 days of treatment completion. 

It should also be noted that dental bleaching is not recommended in children below 16 years old because the pulp chamber or the tooth nerves are enlarged until this age.  Teeth whitening are not also recommended for pregnant and lactating women because of dental whitening chemicals that may be harmful to the fetus.