One of the easiest ways to enjoy a more beautiful smile is with teeth whitening. In fact, it can be as easy as making a trip to your local drug store or supermarket to choose any one of a variety of over-the-counter whitening products. But before you invest in one of these whiteners, you should know that OTC products are never as effective as having your teeth whitened by your dentist, who will not only use a stronger whitening agent, but also create a custom-made tray that will deliver that product evenly across the surface of every tooth.
But whether you choose an over-the-counter product or decide to have your teeth whitened by your dentist, you should know that you may experience some side effects from whitening. For most people, these side effects are short-lived and relatively mild, but others might experience more intense side effects. It all depends on your teeth and gums, as well as the current state of your oral health. So before you go through with the process, here are some important reminders about what you might experience after whitening.
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks: For most patients, the sensitivity is minor and only lasts for a brief period of time. But if you have sensitive teeth to begin with, you could experience more than minor discomfort, and it may last longer than you expect it to.
- Sore throat: Although this is a relatively rare side effect, some people do experience a slightly sore throat after the whitening procedure. This typically goes away within a few hours.
- Pain in the front teeth: This side effect usually occurs during the whitening process and goes away as soon as the procedure is done.
- Bluish tinge on teeth: If you use whitening products too frequently, you could over-whiten your teeth, and that will make them look slightly blue.Although significant side effects from whitening are extremely rare, they do happen, which is all the more reason to visit a dentist to have your teeth whitened. Your dentist will use only the most trusted and proven effective whitening products and will be careful to protect your gums and teeth to minimize sensitivity issues. Your dentist will also review your dental history and make an assessment with regard to the current state of your overall oral health, so he or she can help you decide whether or not whitening your teeth is the best choice for you.
