The Risks of Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
If you were surprised by how yellow or dark your teeth were the last time you smiled, you may have run out to the drugstore to pick up an over-the-counter tooth whitening product, hoping that you could get a brighter smile back. If, like 90% of the folks we’ve worked with here at North Coast Smiles, you were subsequently disappointed by the results those OTC products provided, don’t give up. Your dentist in Encinitas, CA can brighten up your smile so you’re excited to flash it again. We can also prevent you from having to deal with the potential risks of OTC tooth whitening products like these:
1. Damage to Crowns and Sealants
If you have crowns or dental implants, some over-the-counter teeth whitening products can interact with these materials, especially the ceramic ones. They can also impact how well dental sealants work if you have had those applied in the past. This is why it’s important to discuss teeth whitening with your Encinitas dentist first, before trying to use any of these products.
2. They Can Make Your Teeth More Sensitive
The bleaching agents in teeth whitening products can cause extra sensitivity to hot or cold foods. In addition to making your teeth more sensitive, these OTC tooth whitening products can irritate the gums as well.
3. Overuse Can Damage Your Enamel
Although OTC products are generally considered safe for use as directed, many people, in an attempt to force better results, overuse these teeth whitening applications. Doing this, however, can weaken the tooth enamel, which can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.
4. Disappointment with the Results
A lot of our patients are frustrated with how disappointing and uneven OTC tooth whitening products are. Sometimes they’ll brighten up a few teeth, but leave others darker, and often, they just aren’t strong enough to produce the noticeable results they’re hoping for.
5. Oral Ulcers are a Possibility
Teeth whitening products are highly concentrated bleaching agents that, while generally considered safe for most people, can irritate people with sensitive oral tissues. Sometimes, our patients have experienced painful oral ulcers.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Encinitas, CA
Having your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist is a much safer and more noticeable way to achieve an evenly bright, stunning smile. You can simply relax in our comfortable chairs while our expert team protects your gums and applies a strong tooth whitening agent evenly to your teeth. An hour later, you’ll walk out with a visibly brighter smile. Schedule an appointment with us here at North Coast Smiles today!
