Everyone wants a beautiful, dazzling smile. Teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry treatments available. ZOOM!™ teeth whitening can drastically enhance your smile, brightening the teeth by several shades in just one hour.

Some patients notice sensitivity and other issues after teeth whitening treatment. At Dr. Sharon B. Mateja’s Rancho Cucamonga, CA, practice, we explore some of the most common teeth whitening side effects and offer some tips to reduce sensitivity.

Top 3 Teeth Whitening Side Effects

The majority of patients who undergo teeth whitening do not experience any negative effects. However, it is possible to develop some mild, temporary side effects. We will explore these in more detail below.

#1: Dental Sensitivity

The most common side effect after teeth whitening is dental sensitivity. Whitening penetrates the enamel and can cause the dentin underneath to be temporarily sensitive. This side effect usually diminishes in a few days, but you can take a few steps to alleviate discomfort:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Advil, Aleve, or Tylenol.
• Avoid cold foods and beverages for the first few days.
• Use a fluoride mouth rinse and a sensitive-formula toothpaste.

If you are prone to dental sensitivity on a regular basis, be sure to mention that to our Rancho Cucamonga team. We can make some product recommendations that can help alleviate your discomfort.

#2: Gum Irritation

If the gum tissue is exposed to the whitening gel during the procedure, it could result in a chemical burn. Generally, the gums appear white immediately after contact and return to normal shortly thereafter. However, redness and irritation can linger.

Gum irritation is far more common in individuals who use at-home whitening treatments. If you undergo the procedure at our practice, Dr. Mateja will cover the gums with a barrier to ensure that they do not come in contact with the whitening gel.

#3: Undesirable Results

In-office teeth whitening offers dazzling, consistent results. But patients who use store-bought whitening gels may not achieve the results they desire. Over-the-counter products can yeild uneven results. If you are looking for fast, reliable treatment, in-office whitening is the best option.

When Is Teeth Whitening Recommended?

It is important to understand when teeth whitening is recommended - and when it is not. Whitening is a cosmetic procedure. It is not recommended for patients who have extensive decay, gum disease, or other serious oral health issues. If these problems are present, restorative procedures should be completed first. Then, when oral health has been restored, cosmetic treatments can be explored.

On the other hand, if you are in good oral health but are dissatisfied with your smile due to stains and discoloration, teeth whitening may be an excellent option for you. Whitening is effective on extrinsic stains, the discoloration that develops due to exposure to dark-colored foods and beverages. However, if you have deep intrinsic stains due to genetics or trauma, you are probably better suited for dental bonding or veneers.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation Today

To learn more about ZOOM! teeth whitening, reach out to one of our knowledgeable team members. Call our Rancho Cucamonga office at (909) 989-5959 or contact us online anytime.