Among the many factors that leads to teeth staining, the kind of food you eat sits right there on top of the list. However, there are other natural causes of teeth discoloration like ageing. Regardless of the cause, discolored teeth will leave you nursing complex dental issues like gum diseases.
However, most cosmetic dentists recommend teeth whitening or bleaching in order to correct the teeth discoloring. And although teeth bleaching agents contain strong chemical solutions, sometimes the outcome is undesirable. As such, you may develop more dental problems as a result of teeth whitening (especially if you use over-the-counter bleaching solutions).
Therefore, in this article, we will discuss some of the common dental problems and side effects that are commonly associated with teeth whitening (teeth bleaching).
Gum Irritation
When conducting a teeth whitening procedure, your cosmetic dentist makes a custom mouthguard that fits perfectly in your mouth. The major reason for creating a custom mouthguard pre-bleaching is to safeguard your gums and tongue against the bleaching agents.
It is very unlikely to experience gum irritations when you have a professional cosmetic dentist do the teeth whitening.
However, home-made and over-the-counter bleaching agents will most likely leave you with severe gun injuries. Other practices gum irritation risks include using a small mouthguard, incorrectly mixing the bleaching, and excessively administering of teeth whitener.
Therefore, it would be best to leave the teeth bleaching activities to a renowned cosmetic dentist in Rochester who has years of experience handling teeth discoloration issues.
Uneven Teeth Whitening
Although your teeth are in one place, every tooth has its own dental structure. As a result, different teeth will respond differently to the teeth whitening agent you use.
For example, a tooth that has a calcium deficiency will erode easily, making it whiter than one rich in calcium. Hence, your teeth will have different shades of white depending on the amount of calcium present in each tooth.
Furthermore, patients with dental implants, crowns, or veneers are disadvantaged since the restorative products are not affected by the bleaching agents. Basically, dental crowns and veneers are made of synthetic composite materials or resin, which is non-reactive.
Therefore, you should avoid a scenario where your teeth look different even after having them whitened. It is best to consult your cosmetic dentist prior to the procedure.
Teeth Sensitivity
Most people complain about increased teeth sensitivity a few days post-bleaching. To better understand why teeth sensitivity occurs, it would be best to analyze how most bleaching agents work. Primarily, a tooth bleaching agents erodes the stain together with a thin layer of your enamel, exposing the inner and cleaner tooth layer.
However, when too much bleaching agent soaks into your tooth’s dentin, the nerves become more exposed. Consequently, excessively exposed nerves increase your teeth’s sensitivity especially when you consume extra-hot or cold foods.
To avoid teeth sensitivity, your cosmetic dentist will address your discolored with whitening products without bleaching agents. Additionally, cosmetic dentistry employs the use of whitening pens, which are gentler than bleaching agents.
Xerostomia (Dry Teeth)
The normal feeling of moisturized teeth occurs due to presences of pores on your teeth, which help absorb moisture and other minerals. Some bleaching agents such as carbamide peroxide are basic dehydrating agents, and usually dry out the enamels upon contact.
You may feel your teeth become ‘cold’, more sensitive, or experiencing a cracking sensation on the enamels after your teeth dry out.
However, while the drying-out effect on your teeth is temporary, it causes significant discomfort. Therefore, seek professional advice from your cosmetic dentist before using any whitening gel or strips.
Throat and Stomach Irritation
Although it is rarely occurs, throat and stomach irritations are side effects associated with teeth whitening. Throat and stomach irritation occur when you swallow some of the teeth whitening solution during the procedure.
As such, the hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (bleaching agents) may cause significant discomfort; itchiness and burning sensations in the stomach.
However, the throat and stomach irritations should subside after a couple of days, but if not, it would help to see a medical professional.
Conclusion
Regardless of the medical professional handling your teeth whitening, there will always be a possibility of a mishaps. However, having an idea of all the dental problems and side effects associated with the procedure will prepare you psychologically even before sitting on the dentist chair.
