What a Dentist Doesn't Want You to Know About Teeth Whitening

Many dentists now offer teeth-whitening services. Some will perform the whitening session in the office, while others will customize a bleaching tray that can be used with a special whitening formula. Because teeth whitening is such a lucrative business for dentists, they may hesitate when it comes to telling you the side effects of teeth whitening.

Tooth Sensitivity

• Teeth whitening can cause teeth to become extremely sensitive to hot or cold beverages. A sharp pain in the tooth area, also known as a zinger, can also occur without eating or drinking. Some dentists will prescribe a desensitizing gel before and after whitening treatments, but this doesn't always keep away sharp pain from tooth sensitivity.

Damaged Gums

• The gums are also affected by teeth whitening. The edges of the gums can become bluish in color. It is also possible for the bleach in teeth-whitening treatments to burn off portions of the gums.

Addicting

• For some people, teeth whitening becomes a compulsive addiction. They may begin to feel as though their teeth are never white enough, so they continue to do more and more whitening treatments. This can actually cause teeth to become translucent instead of white.