How Safe Is Teeth Whitening?

Everyone wants to look and feel their best. Teeth whitening is a relatively new trend that is popular in the dentist's chair and in the home.

The method of teeth whitening and home teeth whitening was first presented around 1989, giving the medical and consumer health awareness communities enough time to judge its effectiveness and safety. Generally, the teeth whitening process has been given a good report in regards to both safety and effectiveness.

It's important to consider several elements when considering teeth whitening processes. Remember the following points:

Concerns about the risks of bleaching agents have been raised in both medical and consumer communities. Some believe that these bleaching processes may cause certain cancers.

Studies have shown, however, that the concentration of carbamide peroxide in teeth whitening products will not cause any cancer in mouth tissues or gums. An agent naturally present in saliva seems to offset the amount of peroxide that's emitted by teeth whitening agents.

Consideration and attention has also been given to the fear of bleaching agents causing a tooth's enamel to wear off or be damaged. After careful study, the medical experts now say that more damage is done to a tooth's enamel by soft drinks or fruit juices than tooth whitening bleach.

The issue of nerve endings being affected by teeth whitening is still in its early stages since this can be studied only in longer intervals such as five to eight years after the teeth whitening procedure. Despite this concern there is still little damage being shown to teeth that have undergone whitening and been in for a five to eight year checkup after the process.

It is not possible to have teeth whitening on existing caps and crowns, but you may have the procedure done if you have had simple fillings or root canal. Dental studies to date have not shown any problems from this procedure, but many such studies are still in their infancy.

While the above mentioned studies are valid and accurate it is still best to consult with your dental health professional to decide your best course of action.

Your personal dental history is unique, so studies that support teeth whitening in certain situations it may still pose specific risks for you. Don't take any unnecessary risks just for the sake of appearances.