Using at-home teeth whitening kits may seem like an easy way to improve your smile, but you should be aware of the dangers that come with them. If you wish for a whiter smile, your best and safest bet is to get professional tooth whitening from a dental professional such as Professor Jim Ironside.
There are multiple products available that promise to brighten your smile at home with a few simple treatments. However, these products should be approached with caution. Bleaching products that are gritty and harsh can irritate your gums, and over-the-counter teeth-whitening products can be harmful to your throat, gut, and stomach. We recommend in-house whitening treatments and highly suggest purchasing a take-home treatment from your dentist should you wish to do your treatments at home in your own time. Whitening systems supplied by Professor Ironside are guaranteed not to contain harmful compounds that can damage your teeth and gums.
Common Side Effects of Over-the-Counter Whitening Treatments
There are several types of tooth-bleaching products available on the market. The top tier involves a chemical bleaching agent such as a hydrogen peroxide solution. The bottom tier is a more basic bleaching solution. Regardless of the bleaching method employed, the results are the same: a brighter smile. Having said that, there is a caveat. Hydrogen peroxide can be immensely harmful and should be used with the utmost care to prevent harm. The stronger the concentration of peroxide, the more likely you are to experience adverse effects.
Using over-the-counter teeth whitening kits can be a good way to improve the look of your teeth, but you should be careful not to cause damage to your gums. Over-the-counter whitening kits contain hydrogen peroxide, which is a bleaching agent. When you use a whitening solution on your teeth, the gel will travel to your gums. Therefore, you should avoid using pens and strips on your gums. If there is prolonged contact between your gums and the whitening agent, you may experience tooth sensitivity or burned gums. Gum damage can result in gingivitis. This condition causes receding gums, exposing tooth structure. If left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which is a serious gum disease.
One of the most common adverse effects of an over-the-counter teeth whitening product is tooth sensitivity. In most cases, this sensitivity is harmless. However, if you have a history of gum discomfort, you should speak with your dentist before starting an at-home teeth whitening regimen.
Another common side effect of whitening treatments is enamel erosion. This is when the hydrated silica in the product erodes the enamel of your teeth. This may result in weak teeth and further staining.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Choosing to have your teeth professionally whitened is a good choice for improving your dental health and giving you a brighter smile. This treatment is safer than over-the-counter products, in addition to being faster and more effective.
Teeth whitening is a simple procedure, but it can produce dramatic results. In-office professional whitening can produce results in as little as one hour. Unlike store-bought whitening products, in-office treatments use more powerful bleaching solutions.
Unlike store-bought whitening kits, which tend to be “one size fits all,” we will customise your treatment to meet your needs. We will also consider any areas that need extra attention.
How Can We Help?
A whiter smile can make you more confident and improve your overall oral health. You can feel more comfortable smiling in public, and you’ll also be more likely to take proper care of your teeth. Getting a professional whitening treatment is the best way to ensure that you obtain a brighter smile without causing any damage or harm to your teeth and gums. We supply professional in-office treatments and take-home kits, so regardless of whether you select an in-office treatment or prefer to whiten your teeth at home, you can be assured of high-quality products and excellent results.
For more information about our teeth-whitening treatments, please see here. To schedule an appointment, please call (02) 9267 3495 or get in touch here.