Think Twice about Excessive Teeth Bleaching

WhitenedTeeth“Bleachorexia?” is a media created hybrid word designed to describe people who are obsessed with whitening their teeth to an extreme extent. Having perpetually movie star-white teeth may seem like a harmless goal which will make you look young and more vibrant. Unfortunately, exposing your teeth to bleaching too frequently can harm your dental health. Skokie cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, would like to offer some perspective that teeth whitening treatments should be timed carefully so that that your teeth look great and remain healthy.

Professional Teeth Whitening

With teeth bleaching, chemicals are applied to the surfaces of the teeth. Stains on teeth are generally due to the consumption of coffee, tea, tobacco, and various dark colored foods and drinks. The aging process also brings about natural dulling and yellowing. And certain medications, such as tetracycline, can cause teeth stains. Professional whitening treatments generally whiten and brighten multiple shades, and make most patients feel great about the way their smile looks.

Over-Bleaching Problems

Once you have bleached your teeth, you can avoid the foods and habits that contribute to deeper and faster staining and yellowing, to make your results last longer. If you become overzealous, and decide to bleach again shortly after a professional level treatment (even if you are only using a gentler over-the-counter bleaching kit) there are a number of possible negative symptoms that can befall you:

  • Teeth Irritation – Bleaching gels and products contain chemicals that can harm your gums and teeth with overuse.
  • Enamel Erosion – The erosion of the hard, protective outer layer of the teeth will make you more susceptible to decay. This is particularly true if you use whitening toothpastes which are very abrasive, and only remove surface stains but don’t provide true bleaching.
  • Teeth Sensitivity – If the nerves inside the teeth are exposed, you can end up with hypersensitivity to extreme heat or cold.

Teeth Whitening from Skokie Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Engelberg offers both in-office professional bleaching, and at-home bleaching maintenance kits. With Dr. Engelberg’s expertise, you should be able to obtain a bright, white smile without the issues of overdoing it. You can reach our 60076 dentist office at 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.