It’s safe to say we all want whiter teeth. But what happens when it becomes an obsession?
“Bleachorexia” occurs when teeth whitening gets out of control. Bleaching teeth repeatedly and excessively can cause irreversible damage. It weakens the enamel, which is what protects the dentin and pulp of the tooth. Over time, excessive bleaching can even make teeth yellower because once the enamel is thin enough, the yellower interior of the tooth begins to show through.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
The biggest concern is over-the-counter whitening strips, pastes and trays that are used without the supervision of a trained dentist. Professional whitening services are ideal because Dr. Pappas can monitor your progress and ensure treatments are safe and effective.
Teeth Whitening Is All the Rage
It’s no surprise that over-whitening has become a problem as viral videos with at-home chemical concoctions abound on social media and television commercials challenge watchers to compare the color of their teeth to stark white household objects. Not to mention the celebrities on the big screen and reality television who almost always have brilliantly white teeth.
Symptoms of ‘Bleachorexia’
Here are some signs to look out for if you think you may be struggling with “bleachorexia”:
- Invasive thoughts about the color of your teeth occur every time you look in the mirror.
- You find yourself using at at-home whitening treatments more often than recommended.
- The time between whitening treatments is shorter each time.
- Your dentist has refused to perform any more whitening treatments or expresses concern about your enamel thinning.
Teeth Whitening Is Safe When Done Correctly
Whitening teeth in moderation is completely safe, especially when done by a professional dentist. For questions about teeth whitening, including recommended products and safety concerns, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pappas, call our office at (602) 957-9643.
