There are several different options for brightening your smile, via over-the-counter products or your dentist. Most are safe, but some can have side effects. Avoid potential safety issues by researching the options and choosing a method carefully.
Definition
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that lightens your teeth from their present color. Your teeth can get a yellow, brown or gray hue over time. Dr. Andrew Weil, a physician and online health adviser, says this is caused by drinking coffee, wine, tea and carbonated beverages, chewing tobacco, smoking and the natural aging process. Whitening treatment can restore them to a lighter, more attractive shade without permanent harm.
Methods
The American Dental Association (ADA) says there are three main ways to whiten your teeth. The first is getting them bleached by your dentist. This treatment takes about 30 minutes, and sometimes you may have to have it done more than once. Bleaching can also be done at home with a kit provided by your dentist or bought over the counter. At-home bleaching is typically done overnight for up to two weeks, or used twice daily for the same period. The third method is by using a toothpaste specifically labeled for whitening. The product is used daily in place of your regular toothpaste.
Safety
Teeth whitening with bleach or toothpaste is generally safe, but the ADA advises that at-home bleaching can cause temporary side effects. The bleaching procedure used in a dental office uses a shield or gel to protect the gums, and the bleaching solution's effectiveness is often enhanced with a light or laser. Bleaching that's done at home uses a mouthguard, but it may not fit properly unless it's custom made. The tray can irritate mouth tissues, and your teeth may temporarily become sensitive to hot and cold. This usually disappears after you stop the treatments.
Effectiveness
Teeth whitening treatments done with a bleaching product are the most effective because they change the color of your tooth enamel, the ADA says. Whitening toothpaste can lighten the shade somewhat, but it does this with mild abrasives that remove stains rather than affecting the actual tooth color. This simpler action is the reason toothpastes don't cause side effects while bleaching can lead to sensitivity.
Solution
You can avoid the minor safety problems caused by teeth whitening by having your dentist do the procedure rather than doing it at home. Ask your dentist to provide a product if you prefer to do it yourself. He can provide a custom mouthguard that reduces the chance of tissue irritation. He can give you a 10 percent carbamide peroxide gel rather than the stronger concentration found in some over-the-counter products. The ADA says you can buy 10 percent, 16 percent or 22 percent concentrations, but only 10 percent products dispensed by a professional have the ADA seal of approval.
