Potential Local Adverse Effects Associated With Bleaching

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Teeth whitening is the best thing to have happened for people with stained and discolored teeth. People have been able to make their teeth whiter by taking advantage of the various teeth whitening products and teeth whitening methods available. However, like all good things, teeth whitening has its own set of disadvantages. People who have opted for tooth whitening have experienced different complications that range from mild irritations to severe pain.

In a craze for getting that flashy Hollywood style smile, the majority of people rush into teeth bleaching without realizing if there are repercussions. Although it isn’t too dangerious, teeth bleaching can cause problems. People who use various kinds of home remedies for teeth whitening may incur indirect effects to tooth enamel and gums. When people use home remedies, they usually rely on acidic properties of certain fruits. This acid can deteriorate your teeth’s enamel and make a person’s smile worse than ever.

In regards to over the counter and dental whitening products, prolonged bleaching can lead to severe irritation in the teeth and gums. Teeth whitening products make use of chemicals like Hydrogen Peroxide that need to be used in the right concentration and right quantities to have the desired effects. People who use tooth whitening products at home do not pay much attention to their correct usage. Teeth whitening, like any other treatment or surgery, needs to be done under the supervision of an expert. A dentist is the right person to consult regarding this subject. If done properly, which requires consulting a dental expert, teeth whitening is harmless. It is only when people buy teeth whitening products over the counter and use them without following the proper directions that it is dangerous.

First and foremost, the chemicals that the tooth whitening products use like hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation to the delicate and soft tissues in your mouth. When teeth bleaching is done in a dentist’s office, the dentist takes care of this by placing a dental dam to prevent the chemicals from getting in contact with anything besides the teeth. Many people have reported a prolonged and increased sensitivity in their teeth to hot and cold things like coffee or colas. Gum irritation is not uncommon. There is a probability of the teeth whitening product being ingested by the patients, causing nausea, vomiting or a burning sensation.

Recently, there has been talk about a study done in Georgetown University, which says hydrogen peroxide may cause tongue cancer. This study is based on the results of two people in their 20’s getting cancer. It is important to note that the study looked at only 19 people who used teeth whiteners. Researchers theorize that when hydrogen peroxide in the gel leaks from trays it releases cancer-causing "free radical" cells, which may have caused the tongue cancer.

However, Dr. Gerard Kugel, from Tufts Dental School says:

“It’s been looked at many times over the years in animal studies and in human retrospective studies and there is no evidence of any link between peroxide and oral cancer. We’ve bleached millions of people, I mean it’s almost amazing how many people whiten their teeth with so few problems related to it in contrast to other things we do in dentistry or medicine. To me, it’s one of the safest things we do at this time in dentistry. ”

Remember, if you are using over the counter teeth whitening products, follow the directions, do not over-use, and use a reputable company.

        

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While it is true that teeth whitening by bleaching does work, it does not come without side effects. There are many reported incidents of increased tooth sensitivity after bleaching. Prolonged exposure to bleaching agents can damage tooth enamel. If the treatment is not administered properly, there can be complications like gum irritation. The oxidizing agents are very strong and can damage the soft tissues of your mouth. The bleaching effect can also cause irritation and increased sensitivity to cold and hot fluids and sometimes even to air. In the case of home bleaching, there is a chance that patients might ingest some of the bleaching gel. In such a case, the person might experience burning or nausea.

According to a Brazilian study done in 2004, increased sensitivity is an inherent characteristic of the bleaching process – and is commonly experienced. During bleaching with carbamide peroxide, the bleaching agent can actually expose microscopic particles of the inner tooth, known as dentin. If cold water is ingested or reaches the dentin, it can cause a slight contraction that’s felt as increased sensitivity. The heightened sensitivity will continue until the temperature of the tooth warms back to body temperature.

In detail, the photomicrograph above shows various photos of tooth enamel taken during a whitening treatment using carbamide bleaching agents. A greater degree of porosity (enamel prism dissolution) occurs as the bleaching time is increased. The complete dissolution of the enamel rod prism could account for sensitivity to cold water after bleaching.

When receiving professional teeth whitening, minimal sensitivity and good whitening results rely on factors such as pH, viscosity, and stability and, most importantly, the rate at which the carbamide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and then oxygen. Many manufacturers have chosen carbamide, as it is more stable than hydrogen peroxide. However, this also causes a slower release of the oxidizing agent and necessitates longer procedures. Some manufacturers have tried to accelerate this by adding heat (in the form of light). This can have a minimal effect but it can also be a major cause of extreme sensitivity.

        

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