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So, you've decided that you want that celebrity smile. But, before you head off to the dentist, or you buy your very first home whitening kit, there are few things you need to know about the side effects of teeth whitening first.

Sure, most of these effects are relatively mild, but it's always a good idea to know all about the possible risks involved before you book yourself in for that bleaching session. So, read on to find out more...

About teeth whitening

Teeth whitening can improve the colour of your smile by a number of shades, and this is commonly achieved with either a professional treatment from your dentist, or by using home bleaching DIY kits.

Both of these techniques are safe to use and there are no health risks involved. But, there are a few teeth whitening side effects that you need to know about before you get started. If you have a pre-existing tooth or gum problem, make sure you consult your local dentist before you book yourself in for a whitening treatment.

Tooth and gum sensitivity

Whether you're having your teeth whitened by a professional or if you're using a home bleaching tray, whitening strip or toothpaste treatment, you may experience some tooth sensitivity. You'll find that during your treatment your teeth may slightly tingle.

This is often quite an odd sensation that's pain free. But, if you do experience some pain during or after your treatment, don't worry as this is very normal. The pain will usually be very short lived, and in most cases it will only last between 24 – 48 hours tops.

Whether you're using a home treatment, or you've opted for a professional bleaching, be sure to stop the treatments or tell your dentist if you're experiencing excessive pain. It's usually those that have sensitive teeth and gums that are the worst affected by whitening treatments.

Professional and home treatments

There is quite a big difference between the types of bleach you'll find at your local dentist and those that are used in home whitening kits. Your dentist will be using a much stronger peroxide bleaching agent, and the home kits will commonly use a milder diluted agent.

As you would have guessed, it's the stronger peroxide bleaches are the ones that cause the more severe teeth whitening side effects. Whilst the mild home belching trays and strips will rarely cause any pain or discomfort during or after a treatment. But, remember... even using the mildest whitening toothpaste with a silicone abrasive can cause sensitivity issues. Abrasives will help to remove external stains, but if an abrasive is too harsh, it may also cause the enamel to wear away.

The professional bleaching and UV light treatments on offer at your dentist can often have a drying effect on the teeth and cause more sensitivity to the tooth and gum. Again, this is only temporary, and your teeth will be re-hydrated after only a day or so.

Uneven bleaching

Another common side effect from bleaching is uneven whitening. This is most commonly caused with home whitening kits. When you're doing it yourself, you may find that it's difficult to cover all of your teeth uniformly with your chosen bleaching agent.

In addition, bleaching trays and whitening strips may not be long/big enough for your mouth and teeth, and you could end up with parts of your smile that are not properly exposed to the bleach. So, always ensure take the whole of your smile is covered for a uniform look.

If you have existing dental work such as crowns etc. you may find that these areas of your mouth are not effected by the bleach, and you could be left with what is known as a techni-colour smile. The difference in colour is usually only very slight, and in most cases is hardly noticeable.

We recommend... Smile 4 You Home Teeth Whitening