Hardly any other dental topic would have as many health myths entwined as there are regarding teeth whitening, also known as bleaching. There are plethora of myths related to the process of whitening the teeth such as the substances used in teeth whitening treatment can injure the gums, hurt the enamel or even irritate the throat and stomach. But what is it about the horror stories? Is teeth whitening really that harmful to your health? Here we would try to clarify the most common questions and concerns below.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF HOME BLEACHING?
Bleaching is a dangerous treatment if done at home. We would strongly advise against home bleaching using lemon juice or baking soda as they can damage your enamel beyond repair. These harsh remedies often leave permanent damage to the tooth enamel, also because they are usually applied with too much pressure. The strong scrubbing in combination with the aggressive substances literally scrapes off the sensitive enamel. The problem: the tooth enamel cannot regenerate itself. Therefore, the resulting damage is permanent.
DO HOME WHITENING PRODUCTS HARM YOUR HEALTH?
Also home whitening kits from the drugstore, pharmacy or the Internet should be regarded rather critically. Because here the bleaching substances are mostly used without prior prophylaxis, protection for the gums or professional equipment. The bleaching substances can come into contact with exposed tooth necks, gums, and untreated areas. The consequences are highly sensitive teeth, swollen and inflamed gums or even penetration of the bleach through the area affected by tooth decay into the interior of the teeth, where permanent damage occurs. In addition, the increased slavia formation during home bleaching can lead to the active ingredients being swallowed hence irritating the throat or stomach.
IS PROFESSIONAL TEETH WHITENING SAFE?
Even professional teeth whitening cannot undo exposed tooth necks, inflamed gums or tooth decay. However, during the previous prophylaxis, your dentist will clarify exactly whether there is a pre-existing condition that poses a risk for bleaching. In addition, during professional tooth whitening, the gums are protected from the bleaching gel with special coatings. The active ingredients used in dental practice are gentle on the enamel or even pH-neutral. The treating person is professionally trained and has the necessary equipment, such as a saliva ejector, which prevents the whitening agent from getting into the throat and esophagus.
CONCLUSION: RELY ON PROFESSIONAL WHITENING.
Like almost any medical or aesthetic treatment, teeth whitening also involves certain risks. These are mainly caused by previous illnesses as well as improper handling of the chemical agents used to whiten teeth. If you want not only brighter but also long-term healthy teeth, you should therefore rely on professional treatment when it comes to teeth whitening. This is not only safe for your dental and oral health, but also has other advantages, such as:
- The treatment is painless.
- The result looks natural and even.
- Whitening lasts up to four years with a tooth-friendly lifestyle.
When it comes to bleaching, you should therefore rely on professional treatment from your dentist only.
