Suitability and Considerations for Tooth Whitening

Teeth Whitening Side Effects

There are some situations where it is not suitable to use whitening agents. For example, whitening agents can interact with certain ingredients in cigarettes to form carcinogens. Therefore, it is not recommended for smokers to do at-home whitening. The effect of whitening agents on the fetus is currently unclear, so teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant women. Others, such as those with excessively sensitive teeth, severe periodontal disease, and those who are allergic to whitening agents, are not suitable.

Tooth Bleaching Considerations

Not all discolored teeth can be treated with tooth bleaching, and professional evaluation is required based on the individual’s age and physical condition. Generally speaking, there are four situations suitable for tooth bleaching: surface staining of the enamel, mild or moderate staining of deep teeth, yellow-brown staining caused by age-related or mild fluorosis, and first and second-level four rings. Mycin staining. As for those with systemic diseases, those who take a lot of drugs, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with excessive dental caries, those with receding gums or exposed tooth roots that are prone to sensitivity, those with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, those with moderate or above blue-gray color Those who are stained are not suitable for tooth bleaching.

Tooth Bleaching Side Effects

Common side effects of the tooth bleaching process are temporary sensitivity and irritation to the gums. Tooth sensitivity often occurs in the first 2 to 4 days of treatment. The main reason is that hydrogen peroxide molecules easily reach the pulp tissue through the enamel and dentin, causing sensory nerve sensitization in the pulp cavity. You can instead use a bleach containing desensitizing ingredients to reduce tooth sensitivity. Factors that can irritate the gums include poor fit of the tray, rough or too-long tray edges, and chemical irritation from bleaching agents. When the above symptoms occur, it can be improved by shortening the bleaching time, temporarily interrupting the bleaching treatment, or making a new dental tray with a better fit.

After whitening, of course, everyone wants to keep it as long as possible. There is a whitening gel that doctors provide to patients to use at home, which is the most long-lasting dosage form. In principle, for the accelerated whitening effect provided by dental clinics, the shorter the treatment time, the shorter the maintenance period. At present, the laser method that achieves the fastest effect has a faster recovery time; followed by cold light and halogen light, and the rest require the cooperation of the patient at home.