Thursday 11 July 2013

Can there be Side Effects to Teeth Whitening?

From the local drugstore counter to a dentist’s chair, there are several ways to brighten your whites these days. However, are these methods effective and safe? Here are a few things that need to be considered before you undergo teeth whitening.

Sensitivity
The most common side effect of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity during or after the whitening process. This problem must fade away in one day, but in certain cases might prolong for up to 30 days. Sensitivity tends to amplify when hydrogen peroxide enters into the nerve chamber of the tooth or reacts with the enamel of the projection. The expert might recommend a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate to counter the side effects and to assist in alleviating any discomfort. However, the cure only works for some people, partly for others, and is completely useless for most.
Gum irritation

At times, the sensitivity and pain might start from the gums. Intense pain in this area is caused due to the peroxide ingredient. Usually, a burning sensation is experienced when peroxide comes into contact with a sensitive area. There are several reasons for the unwanted exposure. For instance, home bleaching trays are often too big for the user’s mouth, which leads to the ingredient touching the gums, in turn causing pain. Also, too much use of teeth bleaching products can burn the gums. In case you feel any soreness or severe pain after the process, get in touch with your dentist.

Remember, peroxide is extremely harsh and must be protected from the tissues of the mouth including the insides of the cheeks.

Pain
At the time of bleaching or soon after, you might experience a sharp, intense pain. This side effect is also known as a “zinger” and is believed to be spontaneous. Even though no one knows the real reason for this pain, there is a theory that is accepted widely. The experts believe that teeth, a lot of times, get little pathways from their structure that makes hydrogen peroxide get inside the pulp. The ingredient enters into the area and creates oxygen bubbles. The tooth pulp is found inside a compartment which is unable to expand. When the peroxide mingles with the pulp and creates bubbles it instantly expands within the chamber and produces a very significant increase in intra-pulpal pressure. This pressure leads to immediate pain.

Swallowing the ingredient
When undergoing teeth whitening it is obvious that you’ll gulp down some of the hydrogen peroxide. Taking in the chemical can lead to side effects such as vomiting, irritated skin, and even headaches. Both saliva and gingival sulcus fluid have extremely high levels of peroxidase that tends to disintegrate peroxide. Depending on the amount of this ingredient you swallow you might experience the above mentioned symptoms, but there are no real health hazards for most users. However, in case you are highly sensitive or allergic to peroxide, you must not use whitening products. Also, if you misuse bleaching products and swallow the peroxide continually, it can lead to several stomach problems.

Teeth whitening procedures certainly make our teeth glow but it is very important that we leave the treatment to the experts. It is also important to consult a dentist to find out whether you are a desirable candidate or not. It is also important that you get the procedure and consultation from a reputed dental office, to ensure a good result. Also, once you have undergone the process, make sure you follow the aftercare tips given to you by the expert. This will help ensure that your teeth remain in good shape.

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