Side Effects of Tooth Bleaching

Our office helps scores of patients achieve brilliantly white teeth through tooth bleaching, also known as whitening. Tooth bleaching is a quick and uncomplicated way to improve your smile and your confidence.

Occasionally, one of our patients will express concern about the safety of bleaching and any side effects that may occur after a whitening session. Tooth bleaching is a safe treatment, especially when the process takes place in our office. Because tooth bleaching is a procedure involving chemical agents, there is always a slight chance of side effects. Here are the most common side effects of tooth bleaching.

• TOOTH SENSITIVITY- Some patients notice that their teeth are sensitive either during the whitening or immediately after the session is complete. This issue is usually minor and short-lived. Patients experience the sensitivity because the tooth dentin comes in contact with the bleaching agent. In order to whiten teeth, the peroxide gel our dentist applies to your teeth must penetrate the enamel and lighten the color of the dentin inside of the teeth. Sensitivity is most common during your first whitening treatment and lasts typically anywhere from a few hours to a day.

• IRRITATION OF SOFT TISSUE- If your gums or the inside of your mouth has prolonged contact with the tooth bleach, you may experience a mild burning sensation. Given the concentrated nature of the whitener, this is not unusual or alarming. In our office, we place guards over your gums to protect them from exposure to the bleaching agent.

• TEMPORARY GUN DISCOLORATION- Your gums may appear lighter in color after a tooth bleaching. This is especially true if you are bleaching at home and use too much peroxide gel in the whitening trays. Just as with the soft tissue irritation, any gum discoloration is temporary and not a cause for alarm. The effects will wear off on their own after one or two days.

Even though the potential side effects of tooth bleaching are rare and relatively minor, you can be sure that our Northridge cosmetic dentist is diligent in protecting you from any possible side effects. If you have questions about the side effects of tooth bleaching or would like information about preventing bleaching side effects, please feel free to contact our office.