White teeth can make you feel and look younger. A professional teeth whitening treatment supervised by your dentist is the safest way to achieve this but many people choose at home teeth whitening kits instead. Find out the potential risks of this DIY method.
About Hope Park Dental Practice
Hope Park Dental Practice is a private and NHS dentist in Newington, South Edinburgh. The practice is family orientated and offers the full range of dentistry treatments including teeth restoration, teeth straightening, teeth whitening, dentures, dental implants and dental emergencies.
New patients looking for treatment are welcome to make an appointment for an initial chat with the practice manager.
If you're searching for an affordable and speedy approach to whiten your teeth, you might be
considering a readily available off the counter whitening kit. However, at-home teeth whitening kits
may be bad for your teeth if they are used improperly or excessively. Here are some reasons why:
1. Overuse: Teeth whitening kits often contain powerful bleaching agents, such as hydrogen
peroxide, which can erode your enamel if used too frequently or for too long. Excessive use of
these kits can cause tooth sensitivity, pain, and even permanent damage to your teeth.
2. Improper use: At-home teeth whitening kits require careful application to avoid damaging
your gums, lips, or other soft tissues in your mouth. If the whitening gel comes into contact
with these sensitive areas, it can cause irritation, inflammation, and pain.
3. Inadequate results: At-home teeth whitening kits may not provide the same level of results as
professional whitening treatments. This can lead some people to use the kits more frequently
or for longer periods of time, which can increase the risk of damage to your teeth.
4. Pre-existing dental problems: If you have existing dental problems such as cavities, gum
disease, or exposed roots, using teeth whitening kits can worsen these issues and cause
further damage.
Overall, while at-home teeth whitening kits may be convenient and cost-effective, they should be
used with caution and under the guidance of a dental professional to avoid potential harm to your
teeth and gums. While tooth sensitivity and gum irritation caused by excessive use of whitening
products usually fade away once you discontinue their usage, the loss of tooth enamel is a grave
concern that should be prevented at all costs. For this reason, it's always best to consult with your
dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatment to ensure that your oral health is in good
condition and to determine the best whitening options for you.