Can Teeth Whitening Damage My Teeth?

It seems like everyone wants a blinding white smile these days. And according to statistics, 37 million Americans opted for some sort of tooth whiteners in 2020. That number is expected to rise, at least until 2024, according to predictions.

While having whiter teeth can help you look younger and fresher, using the wrong type of whitening product or overusing tooth whitening products can actually damage your teeth. Let’s explore this in greater detail — and then we will give you recommendations on safe, effective tooth whitening options.

Which Teeth Whitening Products Can Harm My Teeth?

Many people opt for over-the-counter tooth whitening products in part because it is more convenient, but also because they are quite inexpensive — at least in the short term. Whitening products that cause long-term damage to teeth or oral health are far more expensive in the long run when you consider the amount it may cost to repair the damage — if it can be repaired at all.

The Trouble with Peroxide Based Whiteners

One of the most common tooth whitening products are peroxide-based whiteners. However, a recent study showed that common tooth whitening products containing even small amounts of carbamide peroxide gel (10%) can reduce the protein in your teeth’s enamel by an incredible 50%. What’s worse is that this gel can actually get inside the tooth and cause the death of dental pulp cells. At high concentrations (35%) pulp cells exposed to this gel did not survive. Many over-the-counter tooth whitening agents have this high level of peroxide in them.

Those popular whitening strips? Major culprits. Other research shows that the concentration of peroxide in these strips is enough to make the collagen protein in your teeth disappear.

How Can I Get Whiter Teeth Without Damaging Them?

If you have been a fan of whitening strips or are considering one or more inexpensive drugstore solutions to whitening your teeth, you may be disappointed right now. After hearing how bad some of these can be for the health — and longevity — of your teeth, you may be thinking you must resign yourself to a mouthful of yellowing teeth. Fortunately, there are a number of safe, effective ways to get your teeth whiter without exposing them to harmful processes:

1. Practice Prevention

Typically, teeth can change color for a number of reasons. Food and drink are common culprits, with red wine, coffee, dark colored sodas, and tea leading the way. These substances contain chromogens, which are pigments that attach themselves to the enamel of your teeth.

Following staining with food, smoking is also a large contributor to stained teeth. Tobacco is filled with stain-producing tar and nicotine that adhere to teeth and cause significant tooth yellowing. Certain medications can also cause color changes in teeth.

To keep your teeth whiter, try:

• Avoiding stain-producing foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, blueberries, and tea
• Quit smoking
• Talk to your doctor about possible alternatives to medications that cause tooth yellowing
• Follow a strong oral hygiene program of brushing twice daily and flossing at least once
• See your dentist twice yearly for professional cleanings

Finally, one factor you can’t avoid is the natural yellowing of teeth that occurs with aging. As you brush your teeth over time, the enamel covering the outer part of your teeth thins and allows the yellow color of the dentin to show through.

2. Look for Products That are ADA Approved

If you have your heart set on a do it yourself approach to teeth whitening, look for products that have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. There are many whitening toothpastes and bleaching kits on the market that can help remove surficial stains and are safe for your teeth. If you need more powerful whitening products, it is best to see your dentist.

3. See Your Dentist for Cutting-Edge Whitening

If you want a safe, effective, and faster way to whiten teeth, seeing your dentist is the best option. Dentists offer safe bleaching options with custom-fitted trays that you can take home and do on your own — without compromising the integrity of your teeth.

Also, many dentists have special whitening systems available that allow patients to whiten teeth up to eight shades safely and in just one 45-minute appointment. The dentist will paint your teeth with a whitening gel and then shine a special light on them to activate the gel and begin the whitening process. Because your gums are protected during the service, this procedure reduces the potential for tooth sensitivity.

In-office procedures, like the one described above, are best for people who are concerned about maintaining tooth integrity and also for those who have experienced deep staining that is not easily removed with over-the-counter products.

Want a Whiter, Brighter Smile in Whittier?

If you are looking for a safe, effective way to get a Hollywood-style smile, we have you covered. At Dentists of Whittier, we use the latest in whitening technology to get you fast, safe results for a beautiful smile you can’t wait to show off!

If you’re in the Whittier area, give our office a call and come in for a consultation. We can assess your teeth for discoloration and discuss the many options we have to get you the results you desire.

Get ready to step out into the world with confidence and smile! Contact us at (562) 414-5025 and get fast, safe, and effective teeth whitening today.