We all want a dazzling white smile. It’s like a beacon of good teeth in the world. But if you’re not careful and choose the Popular teeth whitening kits, you could end up with permanently discolored teeth.
Risk #1: Over-bleaching
Over-whitening your teeth can be damaging and cause tooth sensitivity, or worse, yellowing over time. If you’ve gone overboard without realizing it, your dentist may need to do some restorative work to repair the damage done to the tooth enamel and dentin underneath the surface layers of tooth structure that were weakened from overexposure to an over-the-counter whitening kit.
Risk #2: Formaldehyde
Certain products that claim to whiten your teeth contain an active ingredient called triclosan, which is a chemical similar to the effects of formaldehyde. The concern is that, over time and when you continue using over-the-counter whitening kits, the active ingredient may be gradually building up in your bloodstream, making you more susceptible to tooth decay and sensitivity.
Risk #3: Ingredients not tested for safety
More commonly used are untested ingredients such as peroxide and hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can potentially cause hypersensitivity reactions. Carbamide peroxide is a known skin irritant.
Risk #4: Teeth sensitivity, tooth decay and teeth erosion
The enamel helps protect the teeth from sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods and drinks. It can be damaged by exposure to hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (both active ingredients in over-the-counter whitening kits). This is especially true when you use the product too frequently. Tooth sensitivity can be painful and cause permanent damage if left untreated.
Risk #5: Risk of infection from DIY kits; no monitoring of dental condition
With a dentist, you’ll receive professional guidance on how to proceed and not overuse these products. But if you make a homemade kit, you’ll be left to monitor the health of your teeth for any signs of sensitivity or damage.
Risk #6: Discoloration due to improper use
Once you’ve overdone it, the whitening will not last long and the teeth may become discolored. If you continue overusing whitening products on a regular basis, the discoloration could get severe enough to require extensive cosmetic dental work.
Risk #7: Tooth decay due to continuous use over time has been reported after excessive brushing or mouthwash over long periods of time with excess hydrogen peroxide products.
Risk #8: Bleaching Veneers Can Cause Discoloration
If you’re tooth veneer has been stained by over-the-counter whitening, it may be possible to re-bleach the tooth with whitening gel. While this process can result in improved tooth appearance and make them look whiter, the discoloration is likely to not only be permanent but also unsightly.
