Does Teeth Whitening Have Side Effects? Everything You Need To Know

If you’re interested in teeth whitening in Wilmington from Thrive Family Dental, you may be wondering what side effects this cosmetic treatment has, and have questions about the types of whitening we offer. Dig into the details below, or contact us now for more information.

Why Did My Teeth Change Color In The First Place?

There are a few different reasons your teeth may change color and require whitening, including the following:

• Surface stains on plaque & tartar – Sometimes, the stains are not on your tooth enamel at all. Over time, plaque and tartar build up on your teeth, and can pick up stains from certain drinks like coffee. These stains can be removed by scraping away plaque & tartar as part of a six-month teeth cleaning.
  
• Staining foods & drinks – Some drinks like coffee, tea, wine, and cola can stain your teeth. Some foods like blueberries, blackberries, and tomato sauce can also contribute to teeth stains.
  
• Tobacco use – Smoking and oral tobacco use cause yellow and brown stains, and also dramatically increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay, as well as oral cancer.
  
• Aging – Aging thins the enamel, which leads to a more yellow appearance as the yellowish “dentin” below your enamel begins to show. In addition, older people have had more wear & tear on their teeth, which can lead to more stains.
  

Side Effects Of Teeth Whitening

The only common side effect of professional teeth whitening is teeth sensitivity. Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.

However, this effect tends to go away within a few days after your teeth are whitened. If your teeth are very sensitive, our Wilmington dentists may use a lower dose of whitener during your treatment, and recommend that you switch to an anti-sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne to avoid excessive sensitivity.

It is possible to over-whiten the teeth, which can cause them to become brittle and chalky, but this will never happen with professional whitening from Dr. Friberg, since he will customize your treatment to your specific needs. This is why it’s a good idea to avoid at-home whitening kits, and choose professional treatment instead.

Teeth Whitening Options We Offer In Wilmington – Get Started Today!  

We offer both in-office and take-home teeth whitening in Wilmington at Thrive Family Dental. In-office whitening is done by Dr. Friberg in our office and can whiten your teeth up to 5 shades in just a single appointment, so it’s great if you want fast results.

Take-home whitening involves the use of a custom set of whitening trays and professional-grade whitening products and instructions provided by Dr. Friberg. You’ll simply follow his instructions to treat yourself and get professional-grade results without leaving your home. 

If you’re interested in a brighter smile in Wilmington, contact Thrive Family Dental online or give us a call at (910) 240-4797. Dr. Friberg can discuss your cosmetic dentistry options in further detail, and ensure you get the treatment you need.