This is an article about the side effects of tooth whitening and how to avoid them.

1. How to Avoid Common Side Effects of Teeth
Whitening
This is an article about the side effects of tooth whitening and
how to avoid them.
If you missed part 1 of this series, please go back and read it first. In this second part
of the series, we address some common questions about the side effects of tooth
whitening. This information will prepare you for your first consultation with a
cosmetic dentist in New York to learn about the best tooth whitening method for your
individual case. Keep in mind that working with a professional throughout the entire
tooth whitening process will help prevent any of the side effects mentioned here.
Why does tooth sensitivity occur as a result of some tooth whitening treatments?
How can I prevent tooth sensitivity if I want to whiten my teeth?
1
As we discussed in part 1 of this series, the active ingredient in most tooth whitening
products is hydrogen peroxide. The percentage of hydrogen peroxide in a given
product typically ranges between 10% and 22%. This is the same ingredient used in
hair bleach.
If you’ve ever bleached or highlighted your hair or if
you’re a beautician who frequently works with bleaching
agents, you already know that leaving the bleach on hair
too long can damage the delicate hair shaft and create
frizz or even break the hair strands.
Tooth whitening products that contain hydrogen
peroxide penetrate below the surface of your teeth. This
is what separates whitening gels and strips from
whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses, which only
remove surface stains. Tiny, living tubules beneath the
enamel of your teeth become penetrated by the hydrogen
peroxide. This whitens the tubules, much like a sand
dollar that eventually turns white underneath the sun as
sunlight gradually penetrates the tiny tubules in the sand dollar.

2. Teeth whitening dentists in NYC usually recommend using a mid-strength or medium-
strength whitening gel, as opposed to the full-strength gels containing higher
concentrations of hydrogen peroxide.
Why do teeth whiteners cause sore gums for some individuals?2
Another frequently encountered issue people have when using an over-the-counter
teeth whitening product is sore or bleeding gums and even mouth sores. This
happens as a result of getting the hydrogen peroxide bleach on the sensitive
periodontal and oral tissue. While this can sound inevitable, especially if you are
prone to canker sores and bleeding gums, it is usually preventable. The best way to
prevent any gum irritation or mouth sores is to get a custom-fitted dental tray that is
made in your dentist’s office. Using a custom-fitted tray instead of an over-the-
counter one-size-fits-all mouth tray will ensure that the whitening gel is distributed
evenly on all your teeth and doesn’t overflow onto your gum tissue. You should also
only apply a pea-sized amount of whitening gel to each tooth. More gel is not
necessarily better.