Can Whitening Damage Your Teeth?
Question:
Should I be concerned that teeth whitening strips or procedures could damage my teeth over the years?
Answer:
There is no indication that frequent, long-term use of teeth whitening strips can cause damage to your teeth. Whitening strips bleach the part of the tooth just beneath the enamel, changing its color, though the effects are temporary. Coffee, wine and – especially smoking – can re-stain the teeth.
Whiteners may cause pain in sensitive teeth in the short term, especially for younger people. But any sensitivity is likely to go away once the whitening is stopped.
There would also be no biological reason for whitening strips or the tooth-whitening trays used by dentists to cause any harm in the long-term when used properly. Their active ingredient is generally hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down in the body into water and a harmless compound called urea.
If you are concerned about the color of your teeth, call us today on 3394 3399 to book an appointment with one of our dentist about which product is right for you, and to ensure that the cause of discoloration isn’t tooth decay.
