How Over-the-Counter Whitening Can Damage Your Teeth

Just about everyone wants a little bit of a whiter smile; however, there are right and wrong ways to get it. Dozens of companies offer over-the-counter whitening strips and gels, many of which promise results comparable to professional whitening.

However, these claims tend to be exaggerated. Not only do these whitening solutions tend to underdeliver, but they can also be dangerous in some circumstances. Here’s how these over-the-counter whitening treatments can do more harm than good for your teeth.

Dangers of Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening

Professional whitening treatments use bleaching solutions measured out by your dentist, which means that they’ll be perfectly tailored to your precise needs. Over-the-counter whitening treatments can potentially be too strong, which can result in tooth sensitivity or damage to the gums.

There’s also the problem of using bleaching solutions without professional supervision. If you have tooth decay, most dentists would strongly recommend against undergoing any kind of whitening treatment.  Most bleaching solutions make use of hydrogen peroxide, which can be irritating to the teeth even under the best of circumstances.

 If you have a cavity and don’t realize it, hydrogen peroxide could potentially come in contact with the interior of your tooth, which can cause extreme discomfort. Without a professional consultation, it may be hard to determine if you have any areas of decay until it’s too late.

Other Problems with OTC Teeth Whitening

Besides safety, there are other reasons to prefer professional teeth whitening to over-the-counter solutions. For one, the whitening trays your dentist will give you for take-home whitening will be professionally fitted to your teeth, while over-the-counter whitening trays tend to be one-size-fits-all. As a result, the bleaching solution won’t spread as evenly over your teeth and may leave streaks or splotches on your smile.

It can also be hard to gauge exactly how strong the whitening solution is on your own, so you also risk winding up with a smile that isn’t as white as you’d like, or that makes your teeth more sensitive than you’re comfortable with.

If you want a brighter smile, there’s no substitute for a professional whitening treatment. Talk to your dentist about one, and they’ll be able to give you the glistening teeth you’ve always hoped for.

About Our Practice

At Sunrise Dental, we have been helping patients find immaculate oral health for over three decades. We believe that the role of a good dentist is to help you care for not only your teeth but your overall health as well. We’ve also had the opportunity to treat generations of families, which means that when you visit our office you won’t just meet stuffy dentists; you’ll be meeting members of your community.

If you have any questions about teeth whitening, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (713) 869-9973.