If you are considering teeth whitening, please be aware of the potential side effects. Teeth whitening can cause mild side effects, such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. In most cases, these side effects are temporary. They will go away once the treatment is completed, specifically if you get the treatment from a professional dentist Richmond. However, there are a few side effects that may require additional treatment or even hospitalization. Today, we will go deeper into the most common side effects of teeth whitening. Let’s get started.

Increased Tooth Sensitivity

One of the most common side effects of teeth whitening is increased tooth sensitivity. This is usually caused by the bleaching agents used in the treatment, which can irritate the nerves in your teeth. The good news is that this side effect is generally temporary and will go away once you finish your treatment. A study mentioned that within 24 hours after teeth whitening, most people will experience some level of tooth sensitivity. However, this side effect can sometimes last for a few days or even weeks. If you experience increased tooth sensitivity, we recommend desensitizing toothpaste and avoiding hot or cold drinks until the sensitivity disappears. However, you should see your dentist immediately if you experience severe tooth sensitivity.

Soft Tissue Irritation

Did you know that teeth whitening can also cause soft tissue irritation? This is because the bleaching agents used in the treatment can irritate your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth. The good news is that this side effect is usually mild and will go away once you finish your treatment. Not only that, but you can also avoid this side effect by using a mouth guard during your treatment.

Increased Plague Build-Up

In most cases of teeth whitening, you will need to avoid plaque build-up for at least 24 hours after the treatment. This is because the bleaching agents used in the treatment can increase the risk of plaque build-up. However, suppose you do not take care of your teeth properly. In that case, you may experience increased plaque build-up even after the treatment is completed. Therefore, we recommend brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once daily to avoid this side effect.

Ineffective and Undesirable Results

In sporadic cases, teeth whitening can cause ineffective and undesirable results. This is usually caused by using wrong bleaching agents or incorrect treatment application. In fact, a study showed that only about 0.01% of people who get their teeth whitened experience this side effect. However, if you experience this side effect, we recommend seeing your dentist immediately to get the correct treatment.

Getting your teeth whitened can cause some mild side effects, such as increased tooth sensitivity and soft tissue irritation. However, these side effects are usually temporary and disappear once you finish your treatment. But a professional dentist can help you avoid these side effects by using a mouth guard during your treatment. They usually give you some guidelines to follow after the treatment is completed, such as avoiding hot or cold drinks for a day or two. If you take care of your teeth properly and follow these guidelines, you can prevent most of the side effects of teeth whitening.