Emergency Dentist: Knowing When to Call

« Back to Home

Home Tooth Whitening Treatments: Why You Should Consult a Dentist

Posted on

In the search for a brighter smile, many people will use home teeth whitening products to bleach their teeth. However, bleaching your teeth isn't something you should do without first consulting your dentist. Bleaching will often use harsh chemicals to remove staining from your teeth which, if not used correctly, can compromise your dental health and wellbeing. Below is a guide to some of the risk you may face if you use home whitening treatments without first consulting a dentist.

Irritation of Oral Tissues

A big risk of using home whitening products is the chance of suffering from irritation of the soft tissues within your mouth. The bleach which is contained in home whitening products can cause irritation to your throat, palate and gums. This is often a result of using the incorrect concentration of the bleach solution or of applying the bleach for much longer than recommended. To avoid this, you should first consult with your dentist about the correct concentration of the bleach and duration of the treatment.

Increased Erosion of Tooth Enamel

The enamel on your teeth provides a hard outer coating which protects your teeth from decay and damage. However, the enamel on your teeth is not indestructible. Bleaching agents can cause your tooth enamel to erode. This is because the bleach softens the surface of the tooth to remove stains. Damaged enamel can lead to tooth decay and the eventual loss of teeth.

Increased Tooth Sensitivity

Home teeth whitening agents can increase the sensitivity of your teeth. After teeth whitening treatment, you may experience an unpleasant or painful sensation when you eat or drink hot or cold things. However, you may also experience this sensation spontaneously, even when you are not eating or drinking. You should consult your dentist before performing home whitening treatments on your teeth. They will be able to assess your oral health and advise you if you are prone to tooth sensitivity. If you have already performed a home tooth whitening treatment and are experiencing increased tooth sensitivity, you should contact your dentist for a check-up.

If you are considering carrying out a tooth whitening treatment at home, you should first book an appointment with a dentist so they can assess your oral health. If you do not feel confident carrying out a home whitening treatment, you should book an appointment with a cosmetic dentist who will be able to advise you about professional teeth whitening treatments.


Share