In an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, oral health experts said that teeth whitening service providers in beauty salons often use unsafe or ineffective whitening products and lack the training required to perform dental procedures safely.
Dr. Tolulase Yemitan, Associate Professor and Consultant Orthodontist at LASUCOM/LASUTH, explained that while these procedures are generally safe when performed by professionals, there are some common side effects.
The side effects she listed include tooth sensitivity, gum irritation and damage to tooth enamel.
According to her, teeth whitening or bleaching is generally safe for the average person, whether it is done professionally or using approved home products.
When asked if whitening treatments can cause oral health problems, the orthodontist explained that while teeth whitening is effective, overuse or misuse may lead to oral health problems.
“Overuse or misuse of whitening products can irritate gums, especially if whitening strips or trays are improperly fitted. Repeated or prolonged use of whitening products can erode tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and increased risk of tooth decay,” said Associate Professor.
“Whitening products may discolor or damage dental restorations such as crowns, fillings and veneers. In addition, in some cases, ingesting small amounts of whitening solutions may cause an itchy or sore throat.”
“Using non-dental products not intended for teeth whitening, such as household bleach or hydrogen peroxide, can be extremely harmful to oral tissues.”
These substances are highly corrosive and can cause chemical burns, tissue damage and other serious complications when they come into contact with teeth and gums.
“Not addressing underlying dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease or enamel erosion when whitening teeth can exacerbate oral health issues and lead to complications. Some people may seek teeth whitening treatments from unlicensed providers or unregulated salons that offer discounted services. These providers may use unsafe or ineffective whitening products and lack the training required to safely perform dental procedures.”
However, the orthodontist advised Nigerians to use whitening products as directed and under the supervision of a dentist to avoid adverse effects.
“To ensure safe and effective results, it is essential to seek teeth whitening treatments from a licensed dentist or dental professional,” she said. “It is important to discuss concerns about tooth sensitivity with a dentist before undergoing a whitening procedure to prevent exacerbating existing dental issues.”
Dentist Dr Adebiyi Farouk also said that frequent teeth whitening procedures could increase tooth sensitivity, adding that using non-dental products can also cause harm to individuals.
“Now, speaking of safety, professional teeth whitening is safe if done correctly. However, the problem arises when people go to non-professionals, such as spas or salons, for whitening treatments. These places may use products that are not intended for dental use, which can cause harm,” Farouk warns.
As for the effectiveness of frequent whitening, the dentist said: “Frequent whitening – whether it is every two months, three months or more frequently – has risks. The main issue is increased tooth sensitivity.
“The more often you whiten, the more sensitive your teeth become. Managing tooth sensitivity is a challenge because overuse of whitening agents can strip tooth enamel and irritate nerves. Dentists don’t recommend frequent whitening, especially once a month.
“Ideally, people should whiten their teeth every 5-10 months, depending on the individual’s dental condition. But in some countries, especially those with low dental awareness, people may not follow this guideline, resulting in a higher chance of damaged enamel and tooth sensitivity,” Farouk added.
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