Does Teeth Whitening Hurt Your Enamel? What To Know

Does teeth whitening hurt your enamel?

It can, if it is overused. Used as directed, the more common effect is short-term sensitivity or gum irritation. MouthHealthy from the ADA says overuse of whiteners can damage the tooth enamel or gums, so follow directions and talk to your dentist. The ADA’s review says temporary tooth sensitivity and gum inflammation are the most common side effects of whitening.

Whitening is a chemical process. It is not the same as brushing. That is why the details matter: how strong the product is, how long it stays on, and how often you use it.

How does whitening work?

MouthHealthy says whitening products contain one of two tooth bleaches, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These bleaches break stains into smaller pieces, which makes the color less concentrated and your teeth brighter. The ADA review says these peroxides can readily permeate hard tooth tissue, so they reach beneath the surface.

That is also why sensitivity happens. MouthHealthy says the peroxide gets through the enamel to the softer layer of dentin and irritates the nerve of your tooth. That layer is dentin, and the reaction is tooth sensitivity. In most cases the sensitivity is temporary. If it happens, you can delay treatment and try again.

What does the research say about enamel?

The ADA News item “Risks of frequent teeth whitening” summarizes a media report, and the ADA says that publishing it does not mean it endorses the content. With that in mind, the item says:

• Overuse has been shown to damage the enamel and gums, cause tooth sensitivity, and lead to translucent teeth, possibly revealing the yellow inner layer of the tooth.
• Hydrogen peroxide in over-the-counter products can remove discoloration, but it can also make the enamel more permeable and reveal the dentin beneath.
• Damage from infrequent bleaching is usually undone by remineralization, the natural rebuilding of enamel by saliva and diet. But regular bleaching can lead to tooth erosion.
• People who want whiter teeth were advised to visit their dentists for professional treatment once or twice a year.

So the risk grows with frequency. One careful treatment is not the same as daily use of strips for months.

What about your gums?

Gums can react too. The ADA review says gum irritation can result from contact with peroxide gels, whether from strips or any gel product. It is typically due to poor-fitting trays or improper application of the protective barrier or gel, and it usually settles shortly after treatment ends. For in-office whitening, the ADA review says patients should tell the dentist about any discomfort so the barrier can be checked. A burning feeling may be a sign that gel has seeped past the barrier. Speak up right away if you feel it.

How do the options compare?

MouthHealthy describes these four options. It says to talk to your dentist before you start, and to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance on over-the-counter kits. See our full teeth whitening guide for more.

Who should be careful with whitening?

Talk with your dentist first if any of these apply:

• You have sensitive teeth. Our sensitive teeth guide explains why teeth react.
• You have crowns, veneers, bonding, or fillings. MouthHealthy says whitening will not work on them, and they can end up a different shade from your natural teeth.
• Your discoloration comes from a medicine or an injury. MouthHealthy says whitening may not help in those cases.
• You have gum problems. The ADA review says gums can become irritated when peroxide gel touches them, often from poor-fitting trays or improper use of the gel.

Not all stains respond the same way. MouthHealthy says yellow teeth will probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well, and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all.

Why did my teeth change color?

MouthHealthy lists coffee, tea, and red wine as major staining culprits, along with tar and nicotine from tobacco. Age plays a part too, because the outer enamel layer thins over time and the yellowish dentin shows through. A dentist can tell you which kind of stain you have, and that helps you pick a method that fits.

What is a sensible plan?

1. Start with an exam. A dentist can check for decay, gum disease, and old work before you bleach. Read about teeth whitening at the office.
2. Pick one method. Do not combine products without advice.
3. Follow the directions. Do not leave gel on longer or use it more often than the label or your dentist says.
4. Stop and call if gums burn or teeth hurt a lot. Tell the dentist what you used.
5. Space out treatments. Ask your dentist how often is right for you.
6. Bring the box. If you already use a product, bring its name and directions to your visit so the dentist can read them and talk with you about next steps.

If sensitivity shows up, read whitening sensitivity: how long it lasts and what helps.

Next step

Learn about teeth whitening at Town Center Dental, then call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment to talk about whitening choices for your teeth.