Many people that wish to have white and glistening teeth do not even consider any risks that might be involved with the process. However, there are risks involved and if you plan to whiten your teeth at home you should learn what the risk are and what you can do to avoid the problems.
The side effects can include tooth sensitivity, mild irritation of the gums, or even burns on the gums from the bleaching agent.
In the majority of cases, tooth sensitivity is a minor problem that is only noted during the early stages of the treatment. If you notice this problem when you are whitening your teeth at home, you can try a few things to eliminate the problem. The first thing to do is wear the mouth guard tray for shorter periods of time, let your teeth take a break for a couple of days, or talk with your dentist or pharmacist to purchase a high fluoride product that will help with the sensitivity of your teeth. You will need to use the fluoride product prior to using the whitening agent. It can be applied in the mouth guard tray like the whitening agent. You should also switch to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Mild irritation and burns on the gums can occur when the tray does not fit properly. Using over the counter products offer a one size fits all tray that will not necessarily fit your mouth properly. If the tray does not fit correctly, the whitening agent can seep out and finds its way to the soft tissue and gums around your teeth. According to the strength of the bleaching agent you may receive a mild irritation to small burn like spots on the gums.
In order to ensure that the mouth guard fits properly, you should visit your dentist. He can create a mouth guard with an impression of your teeth to ensure a better fit.
When searching for at home products be sure to find products that have the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This is a sign that the product does meet ADA guidelines for effectiveness and safety. At this time, there are no over the counter products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance except for toothpastes, however, you can find products that are only dentist dispensed home use products with the approval notice. The at home products contain 10% carbamide peroxide for home use and 35% hydrogen peroxide for office use. A few of the whitening toothpastes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance include Crest Sensitivity Protection Soothing Whitening Mint Paste, Colgate Tartar Control Plus Whitening Gel, and Colgate Cavity Protection Winterfresh Gel.
Before using any whitening agent besides whitening toothpaste, it is best to talk with your dentist. He already knows your medical history and can guide you in the right direction for purchasing the best products available to help you whiten your teeth while minimizing the risks. |
