While it is true that teeth whitening sessions are easily the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, many rumours remain from the early days when it was still a work in progress. For instance, early formulas were really nothing more than cheap abrasives that would permanently destroy the enamel that protects the teeth. But these days, all of that has changed.
The most common procedures rely on nothing more than professional-grade gels and solutions that quickly and effectively bleach the teeth, often without discomfort or pain. Really, all these solutions do is penetrate the protective enamel in order to remove deeply-ingrained stains. Is teeth whitening painful ?
No, it is not. But it can cause the teeth to become extremely sensitive. As we mentioned, this sensitivity is the result of certain, specific bleaching agents that must penetrate the enamel to get at long-established stains. However, there is absolutely no pain. The most a patient will experience is a strange feeling of sensitivity in the teeth… they may even tickle a bit when you rub them.
But this strange and possibly unpleasant feeling should subside after an hour or two. Beyond this dental sensitivity, the only other side effect that patients have reported after a teeth whitening procedure is gum irritation. And though it does happen, it should not occur if you are seeing a trained professional.
What is it? Gum irritation can occur when the professional-grade teeth whitening comes in contact with the gums or the inside of the mouth. No, the formula is not toxic and the effects are ephemeral. But minor irritation should be expected if the gel touches the gums.