Common Teeth Whitening Problems
Getting a brighter smile is one of the most risk-free cosmetic enhancements available, but occasionally teeth whitening problems arise. They’re usually minor, but you should be aware of them before you have your teeth whitened, professionally or with a home kit.
One of the most common teeth whitening problems is tooth sensitivity. For someone who already has sensitive teeth this can be a truly painful problem. But even if you don’t have sensitive teeth, the whitening process can make them sensitive in varying degrees. In fact, you’re more likely to suffer with sensitive teeth if you have your teeth whitened in the dentist’s office than if you use a home kit.
When the dentist bleaches your teeth, a gel that has a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide is used. The gel can contain up to 40% peroxide. The peroxide and the glycerin that’s used as a base both serve to make teeth more sensitive. Some people may even feel shooting pains in their front teeth during and after the treatment.
People with receding gums, cracks or old restorations are more susceptible to the sensitivity. People who regularly drink fruit juices, particularly citrus, and carbonated beverages like cola, are more susceptible. And if you’ve ever had sensitive teeth for a day or two after a dental cleaning, you’re more likely to have teeth whitening problems like sensitivity. But this can affect anyone who gets their teeth whitened.
Fortunately, it’s temporary. Most people’s teeth return to normal in a day or two, and with others it can last up to month, but it’s rare to go beyond that time frame. For those who do experience sensitive teeth from whitening, toothpaste containing potassium nitrate can help alleviate the sensitivity until it goes away on its own.
Another one of the most common teeth whitening problems is gum irritation. Over half of the people who get their teeth whitened with peroxide gel whiteners will suffer from gum irritation. This can be caused by the peroxide in the gel which can cause a burning sensation in the gums. It can also be from ill-fitting mouth trays. When your dentist makes custom mouth trays for the whitening, they’re trimmed so that the edges stop at the edge of the teeth and won’t irritate the gums. One-size-fits-all trays or even “boil and bite” trays that aren’t trimmed will touch and push against the gums, causing another kind of irritation.
Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are the most common teeth whitening problems. About two-thirds of the people who use peroxide based whitening gel will experience one or both of these problems. Other less-common teeth whitening problems include a sore throat, pain that’s steady and not from sensitivity, headaches and a strange tingling that persists in the mouth. Symptoms typically go away after the treatment is stopped.
One of the teeth whitening problems that can be expensive is what’s known as “Technicolor teeth.” If you have crowns or restorations, these will not bleach with your teeth. This problem is easily prevented by getting your teeth whitened before you get crowns, veneers or other work done.
