The Truth About Teeth Whitening and Bleachorexia

20 April 2015

The Truth About Teeth Whitening and Bleachorexia

A person’s smile is one of their most remarkable features. To make their smile more attractive, many people go through different dental cosmetic procedures. This often involves dental braces, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, etc. Among all these, teeth whitening is the most accessible process due to the existence of over-the-counter whitening kits.

Unfortunately, the convenience of these whitening kits only adds to the already increasing case of teeth-whitening obsession, called bleachorexia. While teeth whitening already entails risks like heightened teeth sensitivity and irritated gums, over-bleaching can cause greater and irreversible damages.

Teeth bleaching solutions usually contain peroxide, which in large amounts can irritate the gum until it recedes. In turn, the teeth will become more brittle and unhealthy. The chemical also eats away at the tooth enamel, revealing the natural yellower undertone of the teeth. Instead of whitening, over-bleaching may result in darker-looking teeth.

People’s Struggle with Bleachorexia

The public’s ideals for the perfect set of pearly whites increases the demand for commercial over-the-counter whitening kits. Though these solutions do not contain as much peroxide as those used by dentists, continuous usage may just give the teeth as much damage. In addition to that, there are also patients who tend to abuse take-home whitening kits prescribed to them by their dentists.

Different Options for Teeth Whitening

People who want healthier, whiter teeth have different options for the procedure:

• In-Office Whitening Treatment, which is carried out by dentists and usually has faster results;
• Take-Home Whitening Kits, which dentists prescribe to patients either as support for in-office treatment or as the option itself;

The commercially manufactured, over-the-counter whitening kits usually don’t have the approval of professional dental associations, so it is better to leave the process to the professionals.

Do not compromise oral health with cheaper OTC solutions and entrust your dental care only with dentists. Church Road Dental & Cosmetics can help you with the proper teeth whitening solutions that will leave your teeth not only whiter, but also healthier. Contact us for more information.