The dangers of DIY teeth whitening

Women smiling after teeth whitening

The dangers of DIY teeth whitening

What is an at-home teeth whitening kit?

There are all sorts of at-home teeth whitening kits available to buy, all which contain different chemicals and materials designed to lift stains and lighten the teeth. These kits for the most part are safe when used responsibly.

When patients are seeking out teeth whitening kits to use at home, they should make sure the brand they are using is reputable and creating safe product for the body.

Those trying online hacks that suggest you can create a bleaching kit with ingredients from the kitchen cupboard, are spreading dangerous misinformation. It’s important to understand the power of the chemicals used in whitening kits, and the precautionary measure that should be taken to prevent any damage to the tooth.

What are the negative effects and risks of whitening the teeth at home?

Those using teeth whitening kits should exercise caution when doing so as there are potential risks that come with exposing the teeth to harsh chemicals.

Extended exposure to certain chemicals within teeth whitening kits can damage the enamel of the teeth. This is when it’s kept on for longer than it should be or used over the recommended limit within a time period. It’s important to limit usage to that which is prescribed in the instructions of the kit.

Tooth sensitivity can occur when the teeth are exposed to whitening solution too often and is typically a biproduct of the enamel weakening.

The chemicals within these kits can also burn the soft tissues like the lips, inner cheeks, and gums. When applying the product make sure to keep the solution confined to the surface area of the tooth. This will help prevent any sensitivity of the soft tissues or chemical burns from occurring.

Those with intrinsic stains may find their stained or darkened teeth are lightening, this is likely an intrinsic stain which has permeated through the enamel into the dentin, making the stain harder to budge. These types of stains are best treated by a professional in clinic, where patients can discuss the imperfections, and the dentist can outline realistic treatment options.

DIY bleaching kits are equally as harmful as those bought on the internet and used irresponsibly. An example of this would be mixing baking soda and lemon to create a ‘teeth whitening’ solution. Though these products are natural and convenient to source, they are not designed to whiten the teeth. Lemons are high in natural acids, which eat away at the enamel. When combined with baking soda, which is abrasive, the enamel is at risk of being damaged.

Using products like activated charcoal powder to scrub the teeth is likely to scratch away at the surface of the tooth. Enamel does not repair itself, and as such this hack just ends up weakening the teeth.

Are there techniques to make at-home whitening safer?

Though each kit will likely have its own instructions, here is some guidance you can follow to mitigate and potential risks:

It should be understood, but do not try to make you own teeth whitening kits, the product which are effective and safe, contain chemicals which have the ability to lift staining without damaging the tooths surface.  Avoid grabbing any ingredients from the kitchen, and instead, consider discussing with your dentist safer and reliable treatment options.

Keeping the whitening solution on for the recommended amount of time only. t’s important that the guidance provided with the kit is followed, this helps prevent sensitivity and weakening of the enamel. Limiting the frequency of bleaching over a period will also help keep the teeth strong and bright!

Avoiding the soft tissues like the cheeks, gums and lips is essential for protecting those sensitive parts of our mouth, in some kits provided by dentists, you will be provided a tray designed to fit your teeth so there is no spillage of product. Patients without access to a custom tray can utilise cotton buds to gently clean off any excess. Applying a small amount to the teeth ensures there’s no excess product in the mouth.

Avoid any kits which include elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide. Kits containing high percentages of hydrogen peroxide are more likely to burn the gums, lips, and inner cheek.

Avoid mixing different treatments to prevent any adverse reactions. Some kits may contain chemicals which are abrasive to the teeth or reactive to each other, ultimately weakening the tooth and putting it at risk of decay.

If you’d like to know more about at-home whitening kits, contact us and we’d be happy to explain the treatment process and start your teeth whitening journey!