Practicing Caution When Whitening Teeth

June 22, 2014

Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits are formulated and designed for at-home use with the convenience of the consumer in mind. However, without the guidance or supervision of a dentist, at-home bleaching products can easily be misused, by going beyond either the recommended amount of bleaching agent or the specified period of treatment. This can lead to over-bleaching and teeth sensitivity.

It is very easy to go overboard with teeth whitening when it is done personally because as the person sees his/her teeth becoming whiter, the desire for a brighter shade tends to intensify even more, and the lack of self-restraint ultimately makes the teeth look excessively white and unnatural.

Not only does over-bleaching affect the appearance of the teeth but it also makes the teeth brittle and predisposed to breakage and decay. This is because of the destruction to the protective enamel by bleaching agents in most take-home whitening toothpastes and gels. Because teeth enamel does not regenerate, the over-bleached teeth would then necessitate the placement of dental crowns. Although carbamide peroxide can break down even those teeth stains located down in the dentin layer, the potency can lead to gum irritation or receding gums, exposing more of the tooth roots that make the teeth more sensitive to bleaching.

For safe and optimal teeth bleaching, go for in-office teeth whitening available at the Total Dental Care of South Carolina. Columbia, SC dentist Dr. Forbes offers the Zoom whitening treatment that effectively whitens your teeth to your desired shade without the sensitivity, all in just an hour in the dentist’ chair. Both systems also come with take-home kits that extend the dramatic results of the in-office treatment. The difference is that this teeth whitening method is dentist-supervised.

No need to suffer the unwanted side effects of teeth whitening when you choose in-office treatment under the supervision of your Columbia SC dentist Dr. Forbes. Call 803-272-4162 to set an appointment.

A man and two women are standing next to each other in a park.

Missing Teeth? Dental Implant Options for Adults

By Total Dental Care of South Carolina • June 15, 2025
Dental implants offer a reliable, long-term solution for seniors dealing with tooth loss. At Total Dental Care of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina, we guide aging adults through implant options—from single-tooth replacements to full-arch solutions. Learn how bone density, overall health, and personal goals influence your best fit. Discover which implant type suits your lifestyle and why implants can restore comfort, confidence, and function at any stage of life.
A woman is smiling with her arms in the air.

How to Recover Comfortably from Wisdom Tooth Removal

By Total Dental Care of South Carolina • June 1, 2025
Learn when wisdom tooth removal is necessary and how to recover safely with Total Dental Care of South Carolina, located in Columbia, South Carolina. Discover tips for minimizing pain, avoiding dry socket, and returning to daily routines with confidence. This blog breaks down the entire experience so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
A woman with red hair is wearing a yellow sweater and smiling.

Beyond the Myths: A Patient’s Guide to Root Canal Therapy

By Total Dental Care of South Carolina • May 15, 2025
Root canal therapy can stop pain, save your natural tooth, and protect your long-term oral health. Total Dental Care of South Carolina, located in Columbia, South Carolina, explains the process clearly, offers personalized sedation solutions, and helps patients feel confident in their treatment with a compassionate, informative approach.
More Posts