Whitening gels are perfectly safe, but only in moderation. When it comes to whitening gels, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. In fact, overbleaching is a serious issue. If you follow the advice of your dentist, you have nothing to worry about, but here are just a few reasons why overbleaching is a bad idea.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is one of the most common side effects of whitening your teeth, but it should only be a short-term issue. Unfortunately, excessive whitening can lead to excessive sensitivity. It isn’t unknown for simply breathing in cool air to result in a sudden stab of pain when the teeth are overbleached, which is just one reason why you should always consult with your dentist.
Receding Gums
Receding gums are a serious issue, especially since the problem is hard to correct once the gums do start to pull back. There are plenty of reasons why this can happen, and overbleaching is one of them. The chemicals used in bleaching gels slightly irritate the gums, which isn’t an issue when you use them responsibly. If you overbleach, irritation can cause the gums to recede, making it easier for plaque and bacteria to reach the sensitive root area.
Softer Enamel
Tooth whitening gels work by penetrating tooth enamel, but they don’t cause any damage unless overused. When you do bleach more regularly than is recommended, the chemicals used in whitening gels can start to soften the tooth enamel. This reduces the ability of your teeth to protect themselves.
Transparency
Even if you could somehow justify risking the issues mentioned above, you’d soon be put off by the dark shadows that often result from overbleaching. Due to the gradual softening of surface enamel, your teeth can take on a slight transparency.
Overwhitening
The link between overbleaching and overwhitening might sound obvious, but there’s a clear distinction. If you keep bleaching your teeth, it’s easy for expectations to get out of control. Instead of being happy with teeth that look perfectly white and healthy, it’s common for people who overbleach to keep chasing a whiter and whiter smile – eventually, the teeth can become unnaturally white.
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