Does Teeth Whitening Damage Your Enamel?

More and more people want bright and beautiful smiles. Patients often try cosmetic dentistry treatments to enhance their smiles. Teeth whitening is one of the most popular options. It’s both effective and affordable. But, patients often come to us with their concerns. Is teeth whitening is safe? Does teeth whitening damage your enamel? In this article, Dr. Josh Eastham, a dentist in Grand Junction, CO answers: does teeth whitening damage your enamel?

What Is the Purpose of Tooth Enamel?

So, why is it so important to protect your enamel? Enamel is the tooth’s thin outer coating that covers the crown and is visible from the gum. The hard outer surface of the tooth is the first line of defense against physical and chemical injury. The enamel’s duty is to protect the dentin, also known as the softer and more sensitive inner tooth. Enamel is prone to deterioration since it is the primary defense against chemicals. Bacterial contamination from sugar, starches, or acidic substances endangers your enamel. The enamel on your teeth will also guard against the daily usage of your teeth, such as chewing, biting, crunching, and grinding.

What Should You Do If Your Teeth’s Enamel Is Worn Down?

Although enamel is the hardest tissue, it is not unbreakable. Because enamel lacks live cells, it is unable to repair itself if it is damaged. In other words, once it’s gone it’s gone. Here are a few ways your Grand Junction dentist recommends avoiding:

• Sugary drinks and foods
• Starchy foods
• Sodas
• Hard candies
• Acidic drinks

Enamel Erosion Symptoms

Since your tooth’s enamel will naturally deteriorate over time, it may be difficult for you to notice the warning sings. We asked our friends Dr. Cody Boals, a dentist in Colorado Springs, about signs of enamel erosion. Here are a few signs you’re damagin your enamel:

• Tooth sensitivity
• Discolored teeth
• Rough, uneven, jagged teeth

Is Teeth Whitening Safe For My Enamel? 

Yellow teeth is the most obvious sign that your tooth’s enamel is damaged. So, it makes senese why patients think teeth whitening damages your enamel. The answer we’ve all been waiting for: does teeth whitening damage your enamel? No, teeth whitening does not affect your tooth’s enamel.

The dentin, or major component of the tooth, is the portion of the tooth that is responsible for the color of your teeth. The front surface of the teeth is initially covered with a whitening solution. The solution will then pass through the enamel of the tooth to reach the dentin. The inner layer’s discolored tissue will begin to fade. This procedure will take approximately one hour. High Desert Dental in Grand Junction can provide you with further information on teeth whitening.

Treatment for Enamel Loss

Bonding is the most common therapy for enamel loss. Bonding is the application of a tooth-colored substance resin to your damaged teeth. The resin will conceal the yellow discoloration while also protecting your teeth. However, if your situation is serious, your dentist may recommend dental veneers or dental crown to avoid additional decay.

Are you concerned about tooth enamel loss? High Desert Dental can help you avoid tooth enamel loss. Make an appointment right away! Contact High Desert Dental.