Teeth Whitening - Is It Safe?

Teeth Whitening at the Dentist

At Blid, we offer teeth whitening using customized trays that we create in our clinic, allowing you to safely use them at home. After your visit, you’ll receive bleaching gel and trays to take home, and you can choose to whiten during the day or overnight while you sleep. This decision is made in consultation with one of our dentists.

Note: Removing surface stains through teeth cleaning (like scaling or airflow) won't change the actual color of your teeth but may result in a brighter appearance. If you want even whiter teeth, you’ll need to use a bleaching agent that removes pigments from within the tooth.

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Professional Teeth Whitening is Safer Than At-Home Whitening

If you want to whiten your teeth, it should be done professionally. There are many providers of teeth whitening, and today you can find whitening products available online and over the counter in many stores. Unfortunately, many of these products have been shown to potentially cause damage to gums and enamel.

In recent years, regulations regarding teeth whitening have tightened. At Blid, we recommend using only whitening agents from our clinic, paired with customized whitening trays. The whitening gel you receive at Blid is safe and gentle, with proven effectiveness on teeth. Additionally, it contains fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel during the whitening process.

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Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

While teeth whitening typically goes smoothly, it can sometimes lead to side effects. Here are the four most common side effects of teeth whitening:

1. Tooth Sensitivity: One of the most frequent side effects of whitening is increased sensitivity in the teeth. This may cause your teeth to feel tender or sore after whitening, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.

2. Irritation of Mucous Membranes: Teeth whitening can also irritate the mucous membranes in the mouth, particularly if the product is swallowed. This may result in a dry or sore feeling in the mouth.

3. Enamel Damage: Whitening agents can potentially damage the enamel of the teeth, making them more vulnerable to harm and increasing the risk of cavities.

4. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to the chemicals in whitening products, which can lead to allergic reactions such as skin rashes and facial swelling. This is rare, but if it occurs, please inform us or contact our clinic so we can assist you further.

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Teeth Whitening During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

It is generally advised to postpone teeth whitening while pregnant or breastfeeding. Although there’s no evidence that whitening harms the fetus or child, there is limited research on the subject, making caution advisable. If you wish to whiten your teeth during this time, consult your doctor first to assess safety and possibly choose a milder method.

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How teeth whitening works at the dentist

1. Initial Cleaning: We begin by cleaning your teeth and removing tartar.
2. Custom Trays: We take impressions of your teeth to create custom whitening trays, which you take home with the whitening agent.
3. Instructions: We provide guidance on how to achieve the best results.

Before treatment, it’s essential to be cavity-free and have healthy oral conditions. If it’s been over six months since your last check-up, we recommend scheduling a “Full Examination and Cleaning” first to ensure safe whitening.

Note: If you have received dental treatment elsewhere, please bring a copy of your dental records and X-rays. This helps us understand your dental history better and prepare for your whitening procedure.

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