Teeth Whitening Questions Answered By The Bristol Dental Practice

There are often a lot of questions asked about the teeth whitening procedure. Whether these questions are about the sensitivity caused by teeth whitening, the effectiveness of teeth whitening or the safety of teeth whitening; we considered these questions and produced this article. If you do have any further questions about teeth whitening or the teeth whitening procedure then it is highly recommended to speak to your dentist.

Why Teeth Whitening Causes Sensitivity

Similarly to when you feel sensitivity from eating cold or hot foods, the teeth whitening procedure causes this same sensitivity. If you are susceptible to sensitivity then you may feel similar discomfort from teeth whitening. If your dentin tubules are exposed then this can cause a heightened discomfort. They can be exposed by everyday actions such as eating (known as abrasion & erosion,) damage to the teeth and a loss of tooth structure (Abfraction.)

Does Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?

Teeth whitening causes sensitivity similarly to when we eat acidic foods and drinks and drink hot or cold liquids. Sensitivity is detected by a microscopic channels known as ‘dentin tubules.’ Dentin tubules radiate from below the enamel to the inside of your tooth. If these dentin tubules are exposed due to damage to enamel or enamel erosion (among other issues) then you can feel a heightened sense of discomfort

Will Teeth Whitening Brighten my Teeth?

When carried out by a dental professional, you can expect teeth whitening to be very successful. Systems such as the Zoom! Teeth Whitening System leave teeth typically 6 shades whiter and sometimes more. When having teeth whitening carried out, it’s important to avoid substances such as coffee, red wine or smoking cigarettes. These will reduce the effectiveness of the teeth whitening procedure as these substances stain the teeth.

Why Teeth Whitening is Painful

Teeth whitening is sensitive but the sensitivity should pass after the procedure is complete and the procedure should not be painful. If your dental tubules are exposed from damage or wearing away of the teeth enamel then you will feel a more uncomfortable sensitivity which may lead to pain. If you are still experiencing pain after the teeth whitening procedure then it’s highly recommended to speak to your dentist.

Why Teeth Whitening Isn’t Painful

Teeth whitening causes sensitivity (in the same way that cold, hot and acidic foods and drinks cause sensitivity.) This may cause discomfort but the teeth whitening procedure is generally a painless procedure. As with many other procedures, if pain persists afterwards then it’s highly recommended to speak to your dentist as this may be an indicator of underlying problems.

Is Teeth Whitening Painful?

Teeth whitening should not be painful and is regarded as an almost painless procedure. Any pain or discomfort caused is due to the fact that the teeth whitening procedure is quite a sensitive procedure. You may experience discomfort that is similar to eating an ice cream or drinking a hot coffee. If you experience pain during the teeth whitening procedure or afterwards then you may have enamel damage. Speak to your dentist if this is the case.

Are Teeth Whitening Kits Safe?

Teeth whitening kits offered from reputable companies and your dentist are safe. They contain low levels of hydrogen peroxide (EU directives settled this amount at 0/1%) It’s important to avoid non-reputable companies who may sell more powerful products that are dangerous to your teeth and gums. If you are unsure about how to use your teeth whitening kit then speak to your dentist who can advise you on how to safely use your teeth whitening kit.

Will Teeth Whitening Damage My Teeth?

Teeth whitening will not damage your teeth if carried out by your dentist. The procedure uses a hydrogen peroxide gel which is applied to your teeth and activated using a specially designed light. Teeth whitening kits can damage your teeth if they have dangerously high amounts of hydrogen peroxide within the gel. It’s always important to check the hydrogen peroxide levels and to check for chlorine dioxide (which have been found in teeth whitening strips) which can destroy tooth enamel.

Will Teeth Whitening Damage Crowns?

Teeth whitening only works on natural teeth and has negligible effects on crowns. Porcelain crowns and other crowns will not be damaged by the whitening gel as it does not have any effects on them. This does however also mean that you cannot whiten crowns using a teeth whitening procedure. If you want to whiten your crowns, consider having a replacement fitted a few weeks after your teeth whitening procedure.

Why Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Teeth whitening can ‘hurt’ if your teeth are particularly sensitive. Erosion of the tooth enamel, tooth decay & erosion, tooth decay from acidic food and drink and grinding your teeth at night are all causes of ‘dentin hypersensitivity’ or sensitive teeth. After most procedures you may feel sensitivity but this should only be temporary. If pain persists after your teeth whitening procedure then you should speak to your dentist.

Are Teeth Whitening Strips Bad for Your Teeth?

If applied correctly and from a reputable company, teeth whitening strips are perfectly safe for use on your teeth. If however, you have purchased teeth whitening strips from a un-reputable source or company then these can be very dangerous for your teeth. Ensure that you check whitening strips for chlorine dioxide which has been reportedly found in some strips. These can destroy tooth enamel so avoid these strips.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Many dental procedures cause temporary sensitivity shortly after the procedure has been carried out. The whitening gel that is applied to your teeth when having teeth whitening carried out can cause sensitivity after the procedure which can be unpleasant. If you feel pain during the procedure and if sensitivity or pain persists after the teeth whitening procedure is carried out then it is advised to speak to your dentist.

Does Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?

Teeth whitening (when carried out correctly) does not damage the enamel of your teeth. You have nothing to worry about when having teeth whitening carried out by a qualified dental professional. Teeth whitening kits (if they have a high hydrogen peroxide content) can damage the enamel of the teeth and the gums. Ensure that you avoid untrusted companies and always check if you are unsure with your dentist when using home kits.

Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening carried out by a dental professional can increase the whiteness of your teeth with systems such as the Zoom! Teeth whitening system making teeth up to 6 shades brighter or more. Teeth whitening works but you need to take steps to maintain the whiteness of your teeth after teeth whitening. This can be done by avoiding substances that stain the teeth and by brushing your teeth as normal.

Do Teeth Whitening Kits Work?

Teeth whitening kits can be a highly effective way of topping up the whiteness of your teeth after a teeth whitening procedure or as a convenient teeth whitening kit to use at home. With proper use of the teeth whitening kit, teeth whitening kits can be a fantastic way to brighten your smile. If you are unsure about using your teeth whitening kit then always ask your dentist for advice.

Can Teeth Whitening Damage Your Gums?

Teeth whitening, when carried out by a qualified dental professional, is completely safe and will not damage your gums. It’s important to only have teeth whitening carried out by a qualified professional. When using a teeth whitening kit, check the levels of hydrogen peroxide within the kit and make sure that you buy your kit from a trusted source. High levels of hydrogen peroxide within teeth whitening gel will cause damage to the gums.

Will Teeth Whitening Remove Stains?

Yes, teeth whitening is designed to ‘bleach’ your teeth by penetrating the enamel to remove stains. The teeth whitening gel that is applied to your teeth is focused with a specialised light to remove stains and to make your teeth brighter. Teeth whitening kits also ‘bleach’ your teeth to remove stains and teeth whitening toothpaste acts as an abrasive. You can also go through physical teeth whitening via polishing tools or a chemical teeth whitening procedure.

Can Teeth Whitening Give you Headaches?

Accidental swallowing of the teeth whitening gel can cause headaches and nausea. The discomfort that you can feel from sensitivity from the procedure may also cause a headache. Generally, teeth whitening does not cause headaches and is a virtually painless procedure. If you are consistently getting headaches from teeth whitening then it’s advised to stop for a while and seek the advice of your dentist.

Can Teeth Whitening Damage Gums?

The teeth whitening procedure does not cause any damage to the gums. It does however cause sensitivity which may be painful in some cases. Teeth whitening causes sensitivity which is similar to drinking a hot drink. If you are feeling pain when having a teeth whitening procedure or a pain that persists afterwards then speak to your dentist for advice.

Can Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?

Teeth whitening gel when applied correctly and with the correct levels of hydrogen peroxide will not damage teeth enamel. Always ensure that you have teeth whitening carried out by a fully qualified dentist. If you are using a home kit, high levels of hydrogen peroxide can cause enamel damage. Only buy home whitening kits from trusted sources or your dentist.

Can Teeth Whitening Make You Sick?

Teeth whitening can make you sick if you accidentally swallow some of the whitening gel. Apart from this, teeth whitening will not make you sick. If you are feeling nauseous when having a teeth whitening procedure then it is recommended to stop with the procedure and speak to your dentist. With home teeth whitening kits, ensure that you know how to use these correctly. Ask your dentist if you are not sure.

How Does Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Work?

Teeth whitening toothpaste works as an abrasive rather than as a ‘bleaching’ tool. The abrasiveness of the toothpaste works to remove stains from your teeth whilst also fortifying the whiteness of your teeth. These teeth whitening toothpastes can be used to increase the whiteness of your teeth and are often used together with a teeth whitening procedure for the best results.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Teeth whitening is very safe when carried out by a fully qualified dental professional. Never arrange for teeth whitening that is not carried out by a qualified dental professional and report the provider as this is illegal. Always check teeth whitening kits as kits from untrusted businesses may contain dangerous amounts of hydrogen peroxide. If in doubt always speak to your dentist.

Is Teeth Whitening Bad For Teeth?

Teeth whitening is a great way to remove stains from your teeth and return them to their natural pearly white smile. Teeth whitening, when carried out correctly, is not bad for your teeth and is a great way to restore confidence. Always have teeth whitening carried out by a qualified dental professional as it can be dangerous if the provider is unqualified.

Is Teeth Whitening Dangerous

Teeth whitening is a relatively painless, safe procedure in which hydrogen peroxide gel is applied to your teeth and brightened with a specialised light. If teeth whitening is carried out by someone who isn’t trained then it can be highly dangerous. Check home whitening kits for their hydrogen peroxide content as this can also be very dangerous to your teeth.

Why Teeth Whitening is Important

Teeth whitening is a fantastic procedure that restores the whiteness of your teeth and restores confidence. Teeth whitening is also important because you can have your teeth whitened for special events such as weddings and photography shoots. Teeth whitening is virtually pain free and is a highly safe procedure which is why it is a highly popular procedure.

Should Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Teeth whitening should not hurt as it is a virtually pain free procedure. The pain that some patients often experience is sensitivity from the hydrogen peroxide gel. If you are in pain during the procedure and this does not subside then you should immediately speak to your dentist as this could be the indicator of an underlying issue or condition.

Do Teeth Whitening Lights Work?

Teeth whitening lights work similarly to the lights used at the dentist during your teeth whitening procedure. They are used as a catalyst to speed up the brightening of your teeth. The teeth whitening light will not whiten your teeth on its own it’s merely used to speed up a home teeth whitening kit or teeth whitening strips and toothpaste.

Why Does Teeth Whitening Make Teeth Sensitive?

Your teeth are naturally sensitive to the hydrogen peroxide gel that is applied during the teeth whitening process. Sensitivity is caused by a sensation from your dentin tubules. Teeth whitening does not make teeth sensitive it is just a sensation caused. Damage to the enamel of your teeth can make your teeth more susceptible to sensitivity so this can make your teeth more sensitive to teeth whitening.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

1. Teeth whitening uses a hydrogen peroxide gel to whiten teeth.
2. Hydrogen peroxide penetrates the enamel to remove stains.
3. A specialised light is used to increase speed of the reaction.
4. Your teeth are effectively ‘bleached’ by the whitening gel.
5. Non-bleaching dental procedures consist of physical or chemical teeth whitening.
6. Chemical teeth whitening removes stains using specialised chemicals.
7. Physical teeth whitening removes stains with a polishing agent.
8. Home teeth whitening kits bleach your teeth from the comfort of your own home.
9. Teeth whitening toothpaste is an abrasive that removes stains from your teeth.