Dentists Warn Against Teens Using At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

Have you ever tried DIY tooth whitening kits? Are you aware of the dangers, especially for teens? Let’s examine this in more detail below.

Teeth whitening has become the in-thing among teens and young adults. This dental treatment is now widely sought after by people who want brighter and more attractive smiles. 

While many people – especially adults – choose to visit their local dentists for teeth whitening procedures such as laser whitening or bleaching, other people – mainly teens and young adults – prefer to do it at home. 

This phenomenon has led to a dramatic increase in sales of DIY or at-home teeth whitening kits. The big question that immediately arises is “Are these kits safe?”.

Dentists Caution Teens On Use of DIY Teeth Whitening Kits

As more and more young people strive to keep up with the emerging beauty trends, the demand for at-home teeth whitening kits is not expected to decrease any time soon. 

Dentists have raised the alarm on the increase of unregulated and illegal at-home teeth whitening kits in the market. 

There is a massive amount of DIY teeth whitening products that are readily available in pharmacies and online stores, and the number is rapidly increasing. 

Some of these products include special tooth whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter whitening gels and strips, whitening gums, rinses, tray-based teeth whiteners and many others. 

So, why are dentists warning young people against rushing out to buy these products? Let’s take a look at some of the dangers of DIY or at-home teeth whitening kits.

1). Damage To Enamel

At-home teeth whitening kits usually promise amazing results within a few minutes. While some products can slightly improve the appearance of your teeth within a short period of time, most of them are usually not that effective. 

Instant whitening kits can cause irreparable damage to your enamel especially when overused. Unlike professional teeth whitening, DIY whitening products contain a corrosive substance known as chlorine dioxide.

Chlorine dioxide is the chemical used to sanitise swimming pools. The chemical may be effective in removing tough stains from the surface of your teeth, but it will also remove the top layer of your teeth which is the enamel. 

Removal of this layer leaves your teeth exposed to damage and infections.

2). Damage To Gums

Most DIY teeth whitening products also contain hydrogen peroxide. Products that have very high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can injure the soft tissues in your mouth leading to severe gum damage and recession. 

Gum recession can expose the base of your teeth giving you an awkward smile which is the opposite of what you want. Hydrogen peroxide is also known to increase tooth sensitivity, making it uncomfortable to eat or drink very cold or hot things.

3). Chemical Burns

Some at-home kits come with mouthguards that you are supposed to wear for set periods in order to hold the active whitening ingredients in place for optimal results. 

Sadly, because most of these mouthguards are not prescribed by doctors, the active ingredients being held in place may spill over into the mouth leading to chemical burns and wounds. 

Any at-home teeth whitening kits that contain strong chemicals and active ingredients can cause severe chemical burns to your gums, tongue and other tissues in your mouth.

On top of this, chemicals that leak into your mouth may find their way into your bloodstream leading to negative side effects such as physical illness and even poisoning.

4). Mouth Infections

Dentists have established that many cases of mouth infections can be attributed to the use of DIY teeth whitening kits. Damage to enamel, damage to gums, chemical burns and wounds are all situations that can lead to mouth infections. 

Mouth infections occur when harmful bacteria finds its way to vulnerable parts of your mouth like an exposed tooth or gum.

Conclusion

All in all, it’s very important that teens and young adults use the proper means and treatments to whiten their teeth. Teeth whitening is by no means a bad thing, but it should be done the right way.

Are you looking to have your teeth professionally whitened? If so, then look no further than Gardens Dental. Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website.