The Dangers of Over-Bleaching when Teeth Whitening

June 14, 2014

With having white teeth being the proverbial mark of dental health and beauty, the obsession over having whiter, brighter teeth has become evident in the booming growth in the demand for over-the-counter, at-home teeth bleaching kits. However, this has sowed concern among some dental health advocates. Without proper professional guidance from a dentist before using any of these whitening products, patients can easily go overboard with the amount of bleaching agent consumed, the frequency of application. Prolonged use can eventually lead to over-bleaching. Besides looking exceedingly white and unnatural, over-bleached teeth can leave the enamel eroded and make the teeth too sensitive.

This is because the bleaching agent in most at-home and over-the-counter teeth whitening toothpastes and gels works by penetrating the enamel and breaking down the stain in the dentin layer. When done excessively, teeth whitening can not only irritate the gums and make them recede, but more significantly, make the teeth brittle and susceptible to breakage. This is possible because of the destruction of the protective enamel which can in fact make the teeth look more yellowish. Since tooth enamel does not grow back, the side effects of over-bleaching may even require additional dental crowns to be placed over the teeth.

But teeth whitening can be a safe treatment that produces great results under the expert supervision of dentists like Columbia, SC dentist Dr. Forbes. Dr. Forbes provides in-office Zoom whitening that produces instant results without the unwanted sensitivity as well as emergency treatment for over-bleached teeth. Dr. Forbes will first conduct a thorough oral examination, review your medical and dental history and may request x-rays and other lab tests before proceeding with the treatment to ensure that you get only the best quality dental care..

To discuss your expectations as well as to get more information about teeth whitening, call 803-272-4162 now to schedule a consultation with Dr. Viet.

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