subject: Teeth Bleaching Harmful? Duluth Dentists Duluth Dental [print this page] Can bleaching be harmful to my teeth? Can bleaching be harmful to my teeth?
There would not even be this option if it is risky to a patient, thus, the question is really more academic. There are issues and horrible stories about incredible pain supposedly from bleaching, but are they true?
The truth about bleaching being harmful to your teeth is really a matter of perception and use. Perception because many consumers use home bleaching kits randomly, and without even reading the instructions, much more follows them. In their ardent desire to have a stunning white smile, they will do anything just as a muscleman would stop at nothing to get the abs and bulging muscles he wants.
If one were to go to the dentist for bleaching, the dentist would only recommend a bleaching procedure on teeth that has never been restored, and for a maximum of two treatments a year. Going to a professional to do the treatment is also preferred albeit more expensive. However, if whiter teeth are what you want, then you should be willing to pay the higher price and get it done properly, instead of trying to do it on your own. You risk losing more than just your dignity if you do it wrong. Furthermore, if your dentist does a great job, you will not have to go in for another bleaching procedure for at least a year.
Another reason why you should go to a dentist even for a consultation before having a bleaching treatment is because you might have sensitive teeth, a cracked tooth, or cavities which can deteriorate with a bleaching ingredient. As a result, you hear stories about problems leading to a root canal.
If you look at the data by the American Dental Association or ADA, there is supporting evidence that bleaching, if done properly, will not permanently damage your gums or teeth. It can cause pain especially immediately after treatment, but your dentist should give you something to deal with the expected pain.
Another issue that has hounded bleaching is treatment only brings temporary whiteness, and you are required to keep bleaching to retain the whiteness of your teeth. There are two ways to look at this issue. First, if bleaching is done by an amateur, then obviously, you have more chances of a failed treatment. Furthermore, you do not have the professional materials, training, and knowledge to know what to do and are really just relying on a tiny piece of paper with the simplest of instructions.
Second, consider that teeth get stained because of your diet and not because the bleaching procedure was ineffective. Today, there are multiple food and drinks that can turn your teeth yellow or yellowish within months. If you smoke, then you shouldnt even bleach your teeth because it will certainly just get stained.
To answer the question, bleaching can damage your teeth, but so can food, drinks, candy, ice cream, cigarettes, and just about anything you put into your mouth. In other words, unless you use something properly you expose your body to risk of damage, so why not just do it with the approval of your dentist, and if you can afford the treatment, have him it do it instead of relying on a home kit?
