Does Teeth Whitening Damage Teeth?

We’ll go through the basics of the process first. Most professional whitening treatments use peroxide-based gels. They either contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

When the dentist applies the gel to your teeth, the peroxide diffuses deep into the enamel and dentin layers. This gel breaks down the surface stains on your teeth.

Note that the entire process is a chemical one. The dentist doesn’t trim any part of your tooth that is stained or discolored.

Now you may have a question. If the tooth is not being trimmed, then why does sensitivity occur after teeth whitening? There’s a reason for it.

Your tooth enamel looks shiny and perfectly smooth, but it actually has microscopic pores. Whitening gels temporarily penetrate the enamel and dentin to break down stain molecules. Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity because the whitening agent can temporarily irritate the nerve inside the tooth. This sensitivity usually resolves within a few days and does not mean the teeth have been permanently damaged.

Professional teeth whitening is considered safe when performed or supervised by a dental professional. The only side effect is slight sensitivity, which lasts no more than a few days.

The problem is mostly with store-bought teeth whitening kits or home remedies. Both of these ways to whiten teeth are unsupervised by a professional. So people either apply the product improperly or use it too often.

Excessive or incorrect use of these whitening products can wear down your enamel over time.

Mild sensitivity after professional teeth whitening is normal. Your dentist may suggest using a desensitizing toothpaste for some time to reduce sensitivity.

For the first 24 to 48 hours, choose foods and drinks that are at room temperature. If you eat something too hot or cold soon after your treatment, you may feel a sharp tingling sensation in your teeth.

Also, completely avoid pigmented and acidic foods and drinks (tea, coffee, red wine, citruses, berries, etc.) for the first few days and limit their intake afterward. Doing this will keep your teeth whiter for much longer.