Is teeth whitening safe? What to know before you brighten your smile

Professional teeth whitening is one of the simplest ways to brighten a smile. Done under a dentist’s supervision, it is safe for most adults and can lighten teeth by several shades. Here is what causes discoloration, what whitening can and can’t change, and what to expect.

Why teeth lose their brightness

• Food and drink. Coffee, tea, red wine, cola, dark sauces and deeply colored fruits such as blueberries, grapes and pomegranates contain pigments that cling to enamel.
• Tobacco. Smoking and chewing tobacco leave stubborn yellow and brown stains.
• Age. Enamel slowly wears thinner over the years, so more of the yellower dentin underneath shows through.
• Medications and injury. Some medications, and trauma to a tooth, can cause discoloration from inside the tooth.

Is professional whitening safe?

For most people, yes. Whitening gels use peroxide to break down the pigments that cause stains, and they don’t damage healthy enamel when used as directed.

A dental exam comes first. Cavities, worn enamel, exposed roots and gum problems should be treated before whitening, because the gel can irritate them. This is the main advantage of whitening with your dentist rather than guessing with store-bought products.

The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity, which usually fades within a few days. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help. If your teeth are already sensitive, tell us, and we can adjust the treatment. Whitening is usually postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What whitening can and can’t change

Whitening works best on yellowish stains from food, drink, tobacco and age. Brown or gray discoloration, such as stains caused by certain medications or an old injury, responds less predictably.

Whitening also doesn’t change the color of crowns, veneers, bonding or fillings. If you have visible restorations on your front teeth, we can plan the order of treatment so everything matches. When stains don’t respond to whitening, porcelain veneers or bonding may be a better option.

In the office or at home

We offer professional whitening in the office, and custom-fitted trays so you can whiten comfortably at home. Because the trays are made from impressions of your teeth, they keep the gel on your teeth and away from your gums, which store-bought strips and one-size trays can’t do as well.

Keeping your results

• Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine.
• Use a straw for iced coffee and other dark drinks.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Keep up with regular cleanings, which remove new surface stains.
• Use your take-home trays for an occasional touch-up.

Whitening results fade gradually, and how long they last depends largely on these habits.

Thinking about whitening?

Dr. Winter and our team start with an exam, explain the results you can realistically expect, and help you choose the option that fits your teeth and your schedule. Learn more about Teeth Whitening at SmileNY Dental.