Teeth Whitening: The New Addiction?



Americans love a white smile, and there are an increasing number of teeth whitening products to choose from to accommodate just about anyone. Whitening treatments are now the number one requested cosmetic procedure, having increased more than 300% since 1996.

At-home whitening treatments have become increasingly popular as well. An array of over-the-counter bleaching kits can be found in any drugstore, discount store, or even grocery store.

But there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. While most people would not call it an addiction, dentists say some people do overdo it in the quest for the perfect smile, or at least one as bright as most celebrities.

For some people who overuse whitening products, it is a narcissistic compulsion to maintain their youth. People are obsessed with the idea of perfecting their bodies and warding off the effects of age.

People are looking for anything they can get their hands on that can improve every part of the way they look, every advantage possible to one-up the next person.

There definitely is the tendency to overuse them, although most people don’t. It is just another classic example of trying to keep up with the “trend”. Now the trend is to have white teeth.

Some people see that some beauty is good, so obviously a lot must be better. Some people just don’t realize that being subtle is a good thing.

Some people, who overdo whitening treatments, look as if their teeth would glow in the dark. To us dentists, is looks like the most fake thing that we have ever seen, but to the patients, they think it is beautiful.

There are 2 main types of at-home tooth whitening products:
· Whitening strips
· Tray-based systems

Most are meant to be used over a 2-4 week period.

After completing the initial teeth whitening treatment, whether in a dentist’s office or using an at-home product, a once-a-month touch-up is probably sufficient.

People who smoke and drink dark liquids such as tea and coffee might need to re-treat every 2 weeks.

Your own teeth are best way to tell whether you’re overusing teeth whitening products.

The biggest signs of overuse are:
Excessive sensitivity of the teeth, especially to cold items.
Redness, irritation and bleeding in the gums.
The teeth start to appear translucent or blotchy.

Some people’s teeth get more transparent if you continue to whiten…You can see right through tem and see the dark shadows of your mouth. You may also wind up having to have a root canal.

Another warning sign is when patients look for changes in their teeth to correct other issues and problems that have nothing to do with their teeth, such as improving their social lives or getting a better job.

Keep in mind that sensitivity alone does not mean that you are overdoing it. About a third of users experience some sensitivity, which goes away in a day or two.

The maker of Crest Whitestrips notes the teeth whitening products have a built-in safety mechanism against people over-treating themselves.

When you have had the whitening strip on too long, you can get a real profound, throbbing pain in your tooth. It goes away but your teeth will hurt.

There is also a lot lower percentage of whitening agent in over-the-counter teeth whitening products as opposed to the in-office whitening treatments.

After you wear the strips for the recommended ½ hour time period, virtually all the peroxide is gone from the strip, and you cannot add more.

Tooth whitening is a very safe and effective technique when done according to the product manufacturer’s instructions and under the recommendations of a dentist. However, some people are after more than that.