If you have stained teeth and want a whiter smile, then you may be put off by some of the information that you read online. Specifically, you may have learned that whitening is bad for the teeth. If you are concerned about your oral health, then you likely want to understand if this is true or not. Keep reading to learn about some facts that can help you understand what you should and should not believe.

Whitening Releases Debris

Some people believe that tooth whitening is bad for the teeth due to the enamel sensitivity that can develop soon after the whitening is completed. Sensitivities are common, but they are not linked to tooth damage. Sensitivity is caused by the exposure of more of the tooth dentin. This dentin is porous, sensitive, and far more likely to release pain signals than the enamel.

Dental whitening solutions expose the dentin by oxidizing and forcing stains out of the small crevices that cover the teeth. The teeth become whiter once the stains are removed, but the dentin can then come into contact with the air, acids, and food items.

Since a dental whitening will typically last between six and twelve months, you might expect soreness and sensitivity to last this long. However, the pores in the dentin do close and the teeth start to become desensitized over time. If you find sensitivity extremely bothersome, then you speak with your dentist about fluoride products and chair-side applications that can reduce the issue.

A Safe Whitening Solution Is Used

If you have deep stains on the teeth and learn that they can be removed after a half dozen whitening sessions, then you may think that this type of process requires the use of strong chemicals. While the concentration of the whitening agent is strong enough to force out the tooth debris, the chemical itself is not considered harsh or harmful.

Dental professionals use something called carbamide peroxide that breaks down into hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide is similar to what you purchase at the store. However, store bought products have less of the active peroxide and more water. Since the whitening gels have more of the active chemical, they can cause some burning sensations. This is one reason why the gums are covered with either a petroleum jelly or a rubber dental dam.

While the peroxide can cause some burning sensation across the soft tissues of the mouth, the whitening solution will cause no harm to the teeth or the body. It is completely safe. For more information, contact a business such as Smile Makers Dental.