By Carey Rossi on May 12, 2011 in
Do you remember the episode of Friends where Ross bleaches his teeth so much that they glow in the dark? Funny-stuff, unless you're the one taking teeth whitening too far.
We're not saying that you could get blinding results, but there are some downsides to creating a sparkling smile. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) warns that if you experience tooth enamel sensitivity; red, irritated gums; hot and cold sensitivity; or a bluish-white translucent appearance on the edges of your teeth you may be taking teeth whitening to the extreme.
Considering that Americans spend more than $1.4 billion a year on over-the-counter teeth whiteners, there is reason for concern. How can you rein in your own brightness fascination? Use these suggestions from the AACD to avoid your own Ross Geller (or worse) situation:
Get a checkup prior to whitening. If you have an area where your tooth is open due to a cavity, then bleach can travel directly into the pulp and potentially cause the nerve of the tooth to die.
Use an at-home kit before your professional treatment at the dentist office to see how your teeth react to the whitening service. See our report on teeth whiteners to choose the best one for you. But...
Limit use of over-the-counter whitening kits to every six months.
Discuss the frequency of professional teeth whitening treatments with your dentist since each person's teeth and needs are different.
Put down the whitening toothpaste. If you use these products on a regular basis--without a reprieve--they may make teeth permanently sensitive, which then requires professional treatment.
If you take these precautions, you can still serve up a shining (and healthful) smile.