Cosmetic Dentistry Hot Topic: Can You Have Too Much Teeth Whitening?

If your teeth aren't as white as they used to be, you're not alone. Even for those who don't smoke, drink red wine and coffee, or practice other teeth-staining habits, teeth do lose their pearly white glow with age.

As dental professionals with training and experience in cosmetic and general dentistry, we get a lot of questions about teeth whitening methods.

Patients want to know how often to whiten teeth and if they should worry about the side effects of teeth whitening. Today, we're going to answer those questions and more.

Read on to learn about the best and worst ways to get rid of pesky tooth stains.

Popular Teeth Whitening Methods

First, let's talk about the teeth whitening options you've probably heard of. Before you can determine how often to whiten teeth (and how much is too much), it's important to start with a method that is safe and reliable.

The Best Way to Get Rid of Tooth Stains

There are two types of stains that patients may be dealing with, intrinsic stains and extrinsic stains. Intrinsic stains are stains that have developed inside the tooth as a result of medications or oral trauma. Extrinsic stains are more common and develop on the outside of the tooth as a result of staining agents like tobacco, coffee, and more.

While you may be able to treat mild extrinsic stains on your own, you'll need professional services from a trained and licensed dentist to treat intrinsic stains. Even if all stains are on the outside of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist will provide the safest and most thorough teeth whitening treatment available.

Finding Safe At-Home Teeth Whiteners

The at-home teeth whitening industry gets bigger every year. There are tons of products available, from whitening toothpastes and strips to light-activated gels. When you're in a pinch and want to whiten your teeth on a budget, you may find yourself reaching for these products.

If you're going to try an at-home teeth whitening product, always make sure you're buying products with FDA approval. Products that don't have FDA approval may not have undergone appropriate testing to ensure that they work as advertised or are safe to use. Keep in mind that even FDA-approved teeth whitening products may not yield the same results you'd get from the dentist.

Options to Avoid

We suggest that our patients avoid what is often touted as natural or DIY tooth whitening remedies. These include things like:

Baking soda
Lemon juice
Activated charcoal
Salt
Oil pulling

While you'll encounter bold claims about all of these options, none are backed by substantial research. In fact, some of these options, like baking soda and salt, can actually do damage to your teeth. Abrasives can wear down enamel and expose the yellow dentin below, making your teeth less durable and yellower in appearance than before.

How Often to Whiten Teeth

Like most oral procedures, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how often you should whiten your teeth. The best way to find out about the proper protocol for your teeth and whiteness goals is to talk to a dentist with cosmetic experience. Here are some of the factors they'll take into consideration when discussing the duration of your treatment.

Your Current Oral Health

Before you begin the process of whitening your teeth, your dentist may recommend getting other procedures done first. For example, we always suggest that you wait to whiten your teeth until after your next dental cleaning. This will reduce the plaque and build-up that the whitening agents need to break down, producing better results.

Note that crowns, veneers, and fillings can't be whitened. If you've had dental work done on your front teeth, you'll want to avoid whitening your surrounding teeth to the point that they no longer match your dental work.

Severity of Tooth Stains

Some patients can complete tooth whitening in one or two appointments. The less severe the stains are, the fewer sessions you'll need to produce the results you're looking for.

If your stains are severe or you have teeth-staining habits, you may need touch-ups in the future. We recommend waiting at least three to four months before scheduling a touch-up appointment or using a touch-up product at home.

Following Product Instructions

If you do decide to purchase FDA-approved teeth whitening products, make sure to read the instructions before you begin. The instructions will tell you how to properly apply the product and how long to leave it on each time you apply it. The instructions will also tell you how many times you should use the product depending on the results you want.

Do not leave a product on longer or apply it more often than instructed. Failing to follow instructions may expose you to unnecessary risks or side effects. If you do not see the results you expected after using the product as instructed, talk to your dentist about other options.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

When the right methods are used, teeth whitening is a safe and minimally invasive cosmetic procedure. Some people may notice heightened sensitivity after a tooth whitening session, although this should dissipate after a few hours.

Bear in mind that teeth whitening products contain a bleaching agent like hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. While safe in appropriate amounts for your teeth, you should not apply these products to your gums, which is a soft tissue. Doing so exposes you to the risk of burning your gums, which can cause pain, swelling, and discoloration.

Make an Appointment for Cosmetic Dentistry in Friendswood, TX

Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic procedures we're asked about. Professional teeth whitening is both the safest option and the most impactful. To find out how often to whiten teeth or what methods would work best for you, talk to your dentist today.

Dr. Lisa Richardson founded this practice on a commitment to pediatric and family dentistry. As we've expanded, we've partnered with associates who can provide a range of services, including cosmetic dentistry in Friendswood, TX. Contact us to schedule an appointment to learn more about our teeth whitening methods.

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A little girl is sitting in a dental chair being examined by a dentist.

First Aid for Dental Injuries in Kids

By Dentistry 4 Children • March 17, 2025

According to Child Stats, it is estimated that three million kids go to the emergency room for injuries yearly. Dental injuries, in particular, are common in children, especially those who are active in sports, playground activities, or simply exploring their surroundings. Knowing what to do and how to respond to a dental emergency can be hectic if you do not know what to do. But if you act fast and have a plan, you can prevent complications, minimize pain, and even save a tooth. Understanding first aid for dental injuries can help parents and your local family dentist provide immediate care before seeking professional treatment at a trusted pediatric dentist in Pearland . Common Types of Dental Injuries in Kids Children can experience various dental injuries, ranging from minor chips to severe trauma that requires emergency dental care. One of the most frequent injuries is a chipped or broken tooth. This is often caused by falls but can also be due to bike accidents or biting into hard objects. While minor chips may not cause immediate pain, more extensive fractures can expose nerves and lead to significant discomfort. Another serious dental injury is a knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth. When a permanent tooth is completely dislodged from the mouth, immediate action is crucial to improve the chances of saving it. In contrast, if a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely, attempting to reinsert it can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath. A loose or displaced tooth is another common issue that can occur due to blunt force trauma. While some cases resolve independently, others require professional dental evaluation to ensure the surrounding structures remain intact. If your child experiences a dental emergency, learning about common pediatric dental emergencies can help you take the proper steps. Tooth intrusion occurs when a tooth is pushed further into the gums due to an impact. This type of injury is more common in younger children whose jawbones are still developing. Tooth intrusion can lead to complications, such as damage to the underlying permanent teeth, making it essential to visit an emergency pediatric dentist in Friendswood for proper assessment. Lastly, injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums often accompany dental trauma. These soft tissue injuries can cause significant bleeding and pain, increasing the risk of infection if not properly treated. Immediate First Aid Steps for Dental Injuries Providing immediate comprehensive oral care for dental injuries can significantly improve the outcome. For a chipped or broken tooth, it is essential to rinse the child's mouth with warm water to remove debris. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If possible, collect any broken fragments and bring them to a dentist. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, locate it and handle it only by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and have the child bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not feasible, store the tooth in milk or the child's saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately. For a step-by-step guide on managing a knocked-out tooth, check out this helpful resource on handling pediatric dental emergencies . Stabilizing a loose or displaced tooth by having the child bite down gently on a piece of gauze is essential. Avoid repositioning the tooth forcefully, as this could cause additional damage. A child-friendly dentist should assess the injury as soon as possible. Tooth intrusion should be treated with caution. Attempting to reposition the tooth at home is not recommended. Instead, apply a cold compress if the tooth is swelling and schedule an emergency dental visit. Seeking care from a pediatric emergency dentist in Friendswood can ensure the injury is managed appropriately. For soft tissue injuries, such as cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums, applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze can help control bleeding. A cold compress can reduce swelling, and rinsing with salt water may help prevent infection. When to Seek Professional Dental Care While minor dental injuries may not require immediate attention from a family dentistry practice, certain signs indicate the need for urgent dental care. Severe pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, or a knocked-out permanent tooth warrant an emergency visit to a dentist. Additionally, any signs of infection, such as: Pus Fever Red streaks near the injury site These should not be ignored. Understanding when to seek professional care can help prevent long-term complications. Parents can find more information on common pediatric dental emergencies . Prevention Tips to Reduce Dental Injuries While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, certain precautions can help minimize the risk of dental injuries in children. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports and recreational activities provides essential protection against impacts. Childproofing the home by securing furniture edges and installing safety gates can prevent falls that lead to dental trauma. Encouraging children to avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy can also reduce the likelihood of chipped or broken teeth. Teaching good dental hygiene habits , including brushing and flossing regularly, strengthens teeth and enhances their resilience against injury. Additionally, parents should be prepared for unexpected dental emergencies while traveling. Knowing where to find emergency dental care can be invaluable in an unfamiliar location. If your child experiences a dental emergency away from home, reviewing these tips for handling dental emergencies while traveling can be beneficial. Need a Local Family Dentist? Contact Dentistry 4 Children Understanding first aid for dental injuries in children can make a significant difference in preserving their oral health. By acting quickly and getting affordable dental services, parents and caregivers can reduce pain, prevent complications, and increase the chances of saving an injured tooth. Here at Dentistry 4 Children, we know how scary these accidents can be for children. That is why we do everything possible to provide a safe and supportive local family dentist environment. So contact us today to get your child the help they need.