Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
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It’s a popular cosmetic treatment recommended by experts and patients alike, but you may still find yourself wondering - is teeth whitening safe? Will it cause any damage to the enamel? Teeth whitening is generally considered to be safe. As it is a dental procedure however, it does come with some risks. Educating yourself on these risks and learning how to mitigate them will allow you to safely achieve the bright, dazzling smile of your dreams.
Teeth whitening risks
As mentioned earlier, this cosmetic treatment has side effects and risks to take into consideration, including the following:
- Burns to gums: If the whitening gel leaks out of your tray and spills onto your gums, it can lead to irritation, redness and even burns.
- White spots: Some patients report seeing temporary white spots on their teeth. This is usually the result of dehydration.
- Allergic reaction: The bleaching agents used in whitening gels have the ability to cause an allergic reaction.
- Enamel erosion: The chance of this happening increases if you use your whitening product excessively or leave on the formula too long.
- Tooth sensitivity: Very common risk. Your teeth and gums will likely feel slight discomfort while the whitening gels get to work.
How do I diminish these risks?
To protect your teeth, gums and general oral health while undergoing teeth whitening, try following the guidelines put together by the experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite.
- Burns to gums: Do not allow the gel to spill onto your gums. If this happens, wipe the gums with a cotton bud.
- White spots: Drink plenty of water. We also recommend using a remineralising toothpaste or gel to help restore lost minerals and strengthen the enamel.
- Allergic reaction: Before using your chosen product, check the ingredients. Alert your dentist or doctor immediately if you have a reaction.
- Enamel erosion: Do not misuse or overuse your chosen whitening treatment. Avoid overly abrasive ingredients (more information below).
- Tooth sensitivity: Use a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth and a soft-bristled brush. Be mindful of very hot or cold foods and drinks, and only use the treatment for the recommended time.
DIY teeth whitening kits
A low cost smile transformation can certainly be alluring. However, DIY whitening kits come with extra risks - this is because they lack proper testing. For example, some sets use overly abrasive pastes and gels in order to provide quick results. If the kit is not clinically researched or prescribed by dentists, the results are unlikely to be significant and, instead of a white smile, you may experience enamel damage and pain instead. Other kits use generic whitening trays that are easily overfilled, causing the whitening gel to spill onto your gums. In some cases, this contributes to soreness and blistering.
Teeth whitening ingredients to avoid
Certain ingredients are harmful to your teeth and gums and should be avoided at all costs. Some are found in cheap online kits, illegal salon treatments or even in your cupboards at home.
- Chlorine dioxide: Commonly used to clean swimming pools, this corrosive substance is recognised to destroy the tooth’s enamel.
- Sodium hexametaphosphate: An ingredient found in bleach that has the potential to sensitise teeth.
- Lemon juice: Although some DIY methods recommend using lemon juice, it should not be used. Why? Its extremely acidic composition causes enamel erosion.
- Apple cider vinegar: Another DIY culprit. Not only can this highly-acidic ingredient damage the teeth, but it also contributes to yellow tooth discolouration.
Something else to keep an eye out for is the percentage of hydrogen peroxide used. EU regulations state that teeth whitening kits must not contain more than a 0.1% concentration. If the concentration is higher, it could be an indication that the kit you are using is illegal.
How to choose teeth whitening that is safe
To ensure your safety, the experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite recommend using dentist-led products or in-clinic treatments that are backed with great reviews and clinical analysis. Conducting your own research will also help to make sure that you are picking the right formula for you. We have put together the following data to rank the safety of different teeth whitening methods. We advise consulting with your dentist before investing in a product or dental treatment to ensure safe, effective results.
method | How It Works | Safety Ranking |
|---|---|---|
In-clinic teeth whitening | Special lights and lasers are used to activate a high-grade bleaching gel. Carried out by a dental professional. | 10/10 |
At-home teeth whitening kit | Yorkshire Dental Suite’s dentist-led set features syringes and custom made mouth trays to refresh the colour of your smile. | 7/10 |
Teeth whitening pens and strips | Widely available both online and over the counter. Designed to quickly whiten teeth with a pen or strip applicator. | 5/10 |
Natural teeth whitening | Ingredients often found in your cupboard, such as bicarbonate of soda, are believed to have a natural whitening effect. | 3/10 |
Nanofill Composite Bonding® | A cosmetic treatment that address discolouration, as well as small gaps, cracks and chips. Lasts up to 8 years with proper care. | 10/10 |
Yorkshire Dental Suite teeth whitening kit
Our industry-leading teeth whitening kit allows you to safely transform your smile from the comfort of home. It is prescribed by dentists registered with the GDC (General Dental Council), so you can be sure that your teeth won’t suffer. How does it work? We use a prescription 16% carbamide peroxide gel that is 32 x more potent than the gels found in non-prescribed kits. Paired with our SuperFit™ whitening trays that fit your teeth like a glove, this kit delivers gleaming results that can last up to 12 months. Yorkshire Dental Suite’s teeth whitening kit has been created with your safety in mind. When you have your initial consultation, your dentist will explain exactly how and when to use the set based on your teeth’s individual needs. Also included in each box is an instructions manual to make sure you are using the set correctly.
Conclusion: Teeth whitening is safe when carried out correctly by the patient or a dental professional. Always check the ingredients, follow the instructions and consult with your dentist to ensure a safe experience. Looking for an at-home teeth whitening kit? Enquire with Yorkshire Dental Suite for an incredible smile transformation.