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Common Effects in Using Whitening Products

Whitening products for teeth are available over the counter as toothpastes, oral rinses, chewing gums, bleaching trays and bleaching strips. Individuals can also use teeth whitening mouthguards that their dentist provides. These treatments are meant to remove stains from natural teeth. Although such treatments are generally safe and effective, use them as directed to avoid problems. People who overuse whitening products or do not use them as indicated can encounter various negative effects.

  1. Tooth Sensitivity

    • Tooth sensitivity is a hypersensitive feeling in the teeth when eating or drinking anything that is hot or cold. The experience can be painful. Toothpastes, rinses and chewing gum don't produce sensitivity; however, bleaching strips and trays are the culprits because of their hydrogen peroxide content, particularly if you leave them on too long. Whitening trays usually contain 10 percent carbamide peroxide. According to Green Facts, in a study of people using these trays anywhere from one week to six months, the most commonly reported side effect was tooth sensitivity, which occurred early on in usage, although temporary.

    Gum Irritation

    • Another side effect of using teeth whitening products is gum or soft tissue irritation. Gum irritation can arise in different situations. Products that contain a level higher than the standard 10 percent of carbamide peroxide can easily irritate the gums. Whitening trays that you leave on overnight can also cause irritation by rubbing against and applying pressure to the gum tissue. You can heat moldable whitening trays and mold them by biting into the tray; if this is not done perfectly, the gel will overflow from the tray onto the gums.

    White Spots

    • White spots on teeth occur mostly with whitening strips. If you don't apply the strips properly, or if the strips are cheaper and do not contain a solid gripping solution, then they may not grip the teeth properly. There will be air pockets, and this will create a look of white spots on the teeth; some spots will be brighter than others. White spots can also be a result of overbleaching, which leads to blotchy-looking teeth.

    Other Effects

    • Other effects of whitening products include a soar throat, a result of whitening solution dripping down the throat. Nausea can occur if you swallow some of the solution. Headaches may also occur if the mouth tray does not fit you properly.

    Considerations

    • Most of the side effects associated with whitening products will typically cease within a few days. Some people become addicted to bleaching their teeth and believe that using the products more often than directed will result in faster whitening. Whitening products are readily available and require no supervision, so this is something that can happen easily. Whitening products can severely damage the teeth and oral tissue.

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