Actors, models and celebrities always sport sparkling white teeth. Their smile inspires many and therefore, people don’t mind paying to get a brighter and whiter teeth. But is teeth whitening safe?

If you want to whiten your teeth, get a dentist to clean the debris settled on teeth. Ensure you have a healthy gum which can be maintained by regular brushing and flossing. Many toothpaste contains substances that can gradually erode calculus, the yellow or grey plaque. Getting it removed every year will remove the stain built on the surface of a tooth, unless the stain has formed inside the tooth due to lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking etc.

If you have followed these rules and still want to go for whiter teeth, then bleaching is the best option. Whether you are using off-the-counter dental kits like whitening strips or visiting a dentist for the procedure, there are few things that you need to consider.

BLEACHING IS ONE OF THE MAIN INGREDIENTS

Every whitening product, except toothpaste, contains hydrogen peroxide and the concentration can range from 5 to 40%. Hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the enamel and dentin, thereby corrupting the internal structure. If bleach or hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with the gums, it can make the gums shrink and expose the root. If swallowed, gastrointestinal tract can get damaged.

SENSITIVITY OF TOOTH

While getting light whitening procedure, one can experience tooth sensitivity which can range from mild to severe pain. This pain can last till two weeks even after the procedure.

NATURAL TEETH CAN ONLY BE WHITENED

If any tooth has undergone filling, crown placement, veneers and exposed root, color of that tooth will not change.

RESULTS CAN VARY DEPENDING ON THE BLEACH CONCENTRATION

Products that have lower concentration and has been applied many a times for two weeks, can show better results. Stronger concentration can lead to sensitivity and cannot be used often. The color of the tooth will eventually return to its normal color, so bleaching has to be done every few months.

CAN LONG-TERM BLEACHING PROVE DANGEROUS?

Regular bleaching can lead to wearing of the tooth, especially near the gums.

If you are a teenager, avoid teeth whitening because young teeth have larger pulp chambers and there is hardly any distance between nerve of the tooth and outside environment. If visiting a dentist for teeth whitening, ensure a low concentration of peroxide is used to carry out the procedure.