How Often Can You Get Your Teeth Whitened Safely?

It depends on the whitening method you choose. Here’s a breakdown:

In-office teeth whitening

The quickest and safest approach, overall. Your dentist monitors the whole treatment throughout your whitening session. With this type of teeth whitening, you might need touchups, perhaps before a big event like a wedding or graduation ceremony.

Dentists typically suggest waiting at least six months before a touch-up. This helps prevent the risk of over-whitening and enamel damage.

Professional at-home whitening kits

Custom at-home whitening kits provided by a dentist are another safe way to brighten up your smile. These kits have a lesser concentration of whitening agents compared to those used at the dentist’s office.

Touch-ups can be done once or twice a year, but never start doing it on your own. Always ask your dentist to learn how often you should do it.

Over-the-counter products

Generally less safe than professional treatments. Read the directions given on the box of the whitening product very carefully to find out how often you can use it. Using them more than necessary harms your teeth and gums.

Keeping your smile dazzling white with frequent touch-ups may seem like a good idea, but it’s not. There are certain risks involved:

Tooth sensitivity

This is the most common issue. Whitening opens your enamel pores and makes your teeth more sensitive. When your teeth don’t get enough time in between treatments to recover, tooth sensitivity worsens.

Enamel damage

Excessive whitening wears down your enamel. Your enamel may look more translucent or brittle. That’s a serious risk for your teeth, and you should get professional help immediately.

Gum irritation

Teeth bleaching agents can irritate your gums. If you experience gum redness and pain, you’re probably going overboard with teeth whitening.

With these tips, you won’t need too frequent touch-ups and your whitening treatment results will last longer:

• Cut down on staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, berries, etc.).
• If you want to enjoy a drink (that may cause tooth staining), use a straw.
• Rinse your mouth soon after meals.
• Quit smoking or at least try limiting this habit as much as possible.
• Brush and floss your teeth daily. These are a must for keeping your teeth white and bright.
• Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Professional teeth whitening results last long, but you may need touch-ups in between. Doing them on your own is risky for your teeth and gums. Consult our dental professionals at Ace Dental of Temple if you’re considering whitening your teeth again and get to know what’s safe for your smile. Call us today!