Like all good things that we know of teeth whitening comes with some disadvantages or side effects for that matter. There are usually some different kinds of complications that can range from minor irritations to severe pain and many others that we are going to consider.

Woman whitening teeth using tray whitening kits

In society today one of the most important things is image and people will do everything to ensure that they display the best image of themselves every time. This will be done at whatever cost and that is the reason why people will get involved in any and every other teeth whitening procedure without considering what the repercussions are likely to be.  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.

What about the issue of over the counter ad dental whitening products that are on the prowl? Studies indicate that a prolonged use can often result in severe irritation in 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.

The first thing you may want to consider is that many tooth whitening procedures use chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide which is likely to cause irritation to the delicate tissues in your mouth. When the procedure is done at a dentist’s office, the dentist is most likely going to place a dental dam so that the chemicals don’t get in touch with anything apart from 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.

One thing you may need to remember if you are using over the counter teeth whitening products is to follow directions and be careful not over use the products. Teeth whitening procedures can actually be effective but it is also important to note that they can be safe if procedures and instructions are adhered to.  At-home tray-based teeth whitening (teeth bleaching) methodology using a 10% carbamide peroxide tooth whitener was first introduced to the dental community in a paper published in 1989. Since that time numerous of dental studies have investigated safety considerations that might be associated with the use of this technique. And, in fact, this type of whitening system has gained wide acceptance by the dental community as a whole. The overwhelming majority of dentists in this country do offer tray teeth whitening systems to their patients because they know it has been time tested to be both safe and effective.

Carbamide peroxide is a compound composed of hydrogen peroxide and urea. In the presence of water carbamide peroxide breaks down into its component parts, thus providing the hydrogen peroxide needed to perform the tooth whitening process (the urea plays no role). The reason carbamide peroxide is used in whiteners is because it is a relatively more stabile molecule than hydrogen peroxide. By using carbamide peroxide in their whitener formulations manufacturers can deliver the hydrogen peroxide needed to produce the lightening effect yet create a product that has a more predictable and longer shelf life.

Will 10% carbamide peroxide teeth whiteners cause cancer?

There have been concerns about the possibility that the chemicals that are used in whiteners can actually cause cancer of the soft tissues in the mouth. These concerns are generally related to the fact that the peroxide contained in whiteners breaks down to form molecules known as free radicals which are very capable of causing cellular damage. When used in the correct manner dentist monitored at home teeth whiteners contain 10% carbamide peroxide which has not been shown to be carcinogenic.

The concentration of hydrogen peroxide produced by these whiteners is low, on the order of 3.5%. Studies involving hydrogen peroxide at about this same concentration (actually 3.0%) have not shown a carcinogenic risk. When using custom bleaching trays fabricated by a dentist the contact between the tooth whitener and a person’s soft tissues (“gums”) is minimal. The human body’s own natural defense against peroxide is a compound that is found in saliva.  The compound has actually been calculated to be able to effectively neutralize about 30 mg of peroxide in one single minute. The typical single application of carbamide peroxide tooth whitener is only about 3.25 mg. Calculations have estimated that on average the total amount of peroxide that a person is exposed to each day when bleaching their teeth is less than .1% of the daily production of peroxide created by their liver.