Four Critical Issues On Teeth Whitening Dangers Answered

Dentist Blog

Some people have serious fears of whitening their teeth, believing that doing so would expose them to serious injuries. Here are some of the questions people have on teeth whitening, and their factual answers:

Is It Poisonous?

Many chemicals are poisonous to the human body, so it is only natural to be concerned about the potential toxicity of tooth whitening products. Most experts agree that high doses of carbamide peroxide might be poisonous to the human body. However, there is no data proving that someone has been poisoned by the chemical during teeth whitening procedures. This is probably because the concentration of the chemical in teeth whitening products, which rarely exceeds 20%, is safe for many people. Data on the safety of carbamide peroxide concentration of 10% is particularly compelling as far as safety is concerned.

Does It Increase the Risk of Cancer?

Since most forms of cancer are incurable, it is always a good idea to be concerned about the risk of cancer. There have been rumors that the carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, which are the main chemicals in teeth whitening products, are carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) that may cause oral cancer.

While it is true that the chemicals are poisonous in high doses, scientists have not unearthed any link between the whitening products and increased risk of cancer. No association has been found between cancer and dental bleaching either in the general population or in those with heightened risks of cancer, such as smokers. 

Is It Safe for Everyone?

Teeth whitening products are generally safe for most people, but they might not safe for everyone. In particular, pregnant mothers and young children (those without permanent teeth) are advised not to use these bleaching products. This is not because there is direct evidence that bleaching products can harm these kids and pregnant mothers, but because there is no clear data that it will not harm these demographics.

Does It Damage the Teeth?

Some people are also concerned that teeth bleaching may harm their oral tissues or actual teeth. Whereas permanent or serious harm is rare, there are ways in which these bleaching may affect your teeth or oral tissues; for example:

·         Bleaching may make your teeth more sensitive to temperature changes because it opens up the pores

·         The bleaching chemicals may irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, but the effect is usually temporary

The best way to deal with your teeth whitening questions is to take them to your family dentist. That way you will get more authentic answers than, say, seeking answers from your friends.

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27 February 2018