The Negative Effects of Dental Whitening Strips

Using over-the-counter dental whitening strips is a popular way of getting rid of stains on your teeth to bring back their youthful color and give you a brighter smile. They're quick, relatively painless and don't cost nearly as much as a professional treatment by your dentist. But before you start a teeth-whitening regimen using these strips, you should be aware of the potential negative effects they can have on the health of your mouth.

Sensitivity

• The peroxide used on most of the strips can cause sensitivity of your teeth to hot and cold foods and drinks that enter your mouth. A little bit of sensitivity when you begin using the strips should be expected, but you should stop using them if it interferes with your normal eating habits. If you accidentally wear the strips too long, the peroxide may cause a throbbing pain within the tooth. If you begin to feel this, take the strips off.

Gum Irritation

• According to WebMD, dentists say that redness, irritation or bleeding of the gums is a sign of overuse of whitening strips. Normally, you'll only notice this side effect if you've been using the strips too long or using too frequent of a dosage, but be wary and know that you may experience this if your gums are already sensitive.

White Spots

• Some users will notice white spots on their teeth after they begin using whitening strips. Fortunately, these usually go away after brushing the teeth or one or two more uses of the strips. However, if you fear this may happen to you, don't begin using the strips the day before a big event.

Potential Addiction

• Just like some people become addicted to plastic surgeries or tattoos, individuals can become addicted to teeth-whitening treatments in an effort to have the whitest teeth around. Side effects of this addiction include translucent teeth and sensitivity in the teeth and gums.

Not Regulated by the FDA

• White strips are not considered food or drugs, and are therefore not regulated by the FDA. However, many whitening strips that come from reputable dental companies have undergone rigorous testing and are considered safe for the mass markets.