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Can Teeth Whitening Become an Addiction?
Americans love a white smile. And, increasingly, we're using teeth whitening treatments to get one. Teeth whitening treatments are now the No. 1 requested cosmetic dental procedure, having increased more than 300% since 1996, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
At-home teeth whitening treatments have become increasingly popular as well. An array of over-the-counter tooth bleaching kits can be found in most any drugstore, discount store, or even grocery store.
What Your Dental Health Says About You
It's easy to ignore the effects of poor oral hygiene because they're hidden in
your mouth. But gum disease may point to problems with diabetes and heart
disease and loose teeth could be a sign of osteoporosis. Could it be that a
healthy mouth means more than just a sparkling smile? And what could your
dentist learn about you the next time you open wide?
But there's such a thing as too much of a good thing. While most would stop short of calling it an addiction, dentists say some people do overdo it in the quest for the perfect smile (or at least one as bright as those of Matthew McConaughey or Julia Roberts).
"Yes, there definitely is a tendency of people to overuse them, although most people don't," says Marty Zase, DMD, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
It's another example of the keeping up with the Joneses, Zase says: "Now the Joneses have white teeth."
"Some people see that some beauty is good, so obviously a lot must be better," he says. "Certainly there are some people that you just can't teach the subtlety of a good thing."
Says Van Haywood, DMD, a professor in the Department of Oral Rehabilitation at the Medical College of Georgia: "Some people look like they just glow in the dark. To us dentists, it looks like the most fake-y thing we've ever seen. But to them, it's beauty."
Are You Overdoing It with Teeth Whitening?
There are two main types of home teeth-whitening products:
- Whitening strips, thin strips coating with bleaching gel that are applied to the teeth.
- Tray-based systems, in which a tray filled with beaching solution is worn over the teeth.
Most are meant to be used over a two- to four-week period.
And how long does the whitening effect last? 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, says Matthew Messina, DDS, consumer advisor with the American Dental Association.
People who smoke and drink dark liquids such as tea and coffee might need an update every two weeks.
Your own pearly whites are the best way to tell whether you're overusing teeth whitening products, experts say. Dentists say the biggest signs of overuse are:
- Excessive sensitivity of the teeth, especially to cold items.
- Redness, irritation and bleeding in the gums.
Another sign: Your teeth may start to appear translucent or blotchy.
"Some people's teeth get more transparent if you continue whitening. ...
You can see right through them and see the dark shadows of your mouth,"
Haywood says.
(Keep in mind that sensitivity alone doesn't necessarily mean you're overdoing it. About a third of users experience some sensitivity, which goes away in a day or so, Haywood says.)
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