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One of the most common cosmetic dental procedures in Sioux City is teeth whitening. A white, bright smile is a sign of confidence and good health, and nowadays, getting a whiter, brighter smile is easier than ever, thanks to the abundance of options available, ranging from at-home kits to professional treatments.

However, overdoing it carries risks similar to any cosmetic procedure. Let’s explore the risks of over-whitening and how to achieve a beautiful smile without risking your oral health.

5 Risks of Over-Whitening Your Teeth

While it is not to everyone's taste, your once-dazzling smile will inevitably appear a little bit darker as you age. After all, years of eating and drinking coffee can leave a mark—or, in this case, a stain.

When that happens, patients start looking at teeth whitening products on store shelves with more interest and wondering if they can make a difference. While most over-the-counter options work partially, there may be risks if you whiten your smile too frequently.

Here are five things that could happen if you overdo it with the teeth whitening treatments:

1. Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity could indicate that you are overusing whitening products.  Teeth-whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, which can harm gum tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Excessive use of these chemicals can cause gum irritation and tooth sensitivity.

Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages can manifest as brief, sharp pains in the teeth, usually soon after using bleaching agents. Besides being painful, tooth sensitivity can be an early indicator of other underlying dental issues, so it’s important to be careful.

2. Enamel Damage

If overused or applied improperly, the peroxide in whitening gels can erode tooth enamel and damage dental nerves. Enamel is the protective layer of teeth. When this layer is stripped away, teeth become weaker and more susceptible to decay.

3. Gum Irritation

Chemical burn is another risk associated with overusing whitening products, especially if they repeatedly get on the gum tissue. This could result in gum recession, excruciating pain and inflammation, and other major dental issues.

4. Uneven Whitening

Uneven whitening, in which some teeth become whiter than others, can also result from overwhitening. This could have the opposite effect of what you intended by making your smile appear uneven and unnatural.  

5. Worsening Already-Existing Issues

Patients with cavities, exposed roots, or severely worn enamel may also be adversely affected by whitening products. Because of that, you should see a dentist to ensure the teeth are healthy before whitening them.

Other factors to be aware of are dental crowns and fillings. These restorations cannot be whitened, so attempting a whitening treatment will result in uneven results.  

Opt for a Professional Teeth Whitening in Sioux City

The in-office teeth whitening options are safe, even though some people find at-home kits more convenient and affordable. Because a dentist is supervising the entire whitening process at this time, stronger bleaching agents can be used to produce faster and more vibrant results.

Professional whitening also usually yields longer-lasting results, which minimizes the need for damaging touch-ups. So, if you want a safe, lasting teeth whitening procedure, contact Wheelock and Associates Dentistry!