Is teeth whitening safe?

Professional teeth whitening uses hydrogen or carbamide peroxide, which diffuses into enamel and dentine and breaks down stain molecules. Nothing is drilled or removed, so the tooth keeps its structure and only the shade changes. Dental associations regard dentist-supervised whitening as safe when the right concentration and contact time are used. Safety, however, depends on three things: the health of your teeth and gums before you start, the product itself, and how carefully you follow instructions, especially with take-home trays.

Sensitivity is the most frequent complaint, usually short twinges with cold drinks during the whitening days that fade afterwards. Gums can become irritated if the gel touches them, so in-clinic whitening protects the gums and take-home trays are made to fit your teeth so the gel stays where it should. Real risks rise when people whiten over open cavities, leaking fillings or receding gums, or use unregulated gels and abrasive powders such as charcoal, which can wear the surface over time.

At Dr. Khalid Saeed's clinic in Duhok, teeth and gums are checked and the starting shade recorded; scaling, decay and gum inflammation are dealt with before any whitening. Whitening is usually postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding and is not normally recommended under 18 unless there is a clinical reason. It also does not change the colour of veneers, crowns or tooth-coloured fillings, so existing front restorations may stand out after whitening and need planning.

If your natural teeth are healthy but yellowed by tea, coffee or smoking, whitening is often the simplest first step before considering veneers, as explained in our whitening vs veneers article. Very dark stains or one tooth that darkened after a knock may need a different solution. Living in Dubai? Dr. Khalid also sees patients at Creative Arts Dental & Aesthetics in Jumeirah, Dubai. Wherever you are, you can send your photos to Dr. Khalid for an initial opinion.

• Get decay and gum disease treated before whitening
• Temporary sensitivity is common and usually fades within days
• A sensitive-teeth toothpaste can help
• Avoid abrasive powders and gels of unknown strength
• Whitening does not change veneers, crowns or fillings
• Usually postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding