When Whitening Teeth Goes Too Far

Dentists Call Tooth-Whitening Obsession “Bleachorexia”

With literally dozens of over-the-counter tooth-whitening products available, not to mention the availability of professional whitening at the dentist’s office, tooth whitening is all the rage. Even teenagers are seeking that perfectly white smile like they see on TV on their favorite actors and music idols.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, tooth whitening is the most requested cosmetic dental service. The dental industry reports hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year just from tooth whitening procedures, and each year consumers spend hundreds of millions of dollars on whitening strips, brightening toothpastes and beaching gels. The numbers are staggering.

Is There Such a Thing as Over-Whitening Teeth?

Over-whitening teeth has become so common that it has its own name – bleachorexia.

Dentists say more and more patients arrive in their offices each month with unrealistic expectations for their teeth, wanting pearly whites that are several shades lighter than what’s natural. Whitening is really only meant to remove stains from teeth, not to make teeth gleaming white, like what we see on the movie screens.

What’s the Problem with Over-Whitening?

The bleaching agent in most whitening products is a harsh, chemical hydrogen peroxide, which can pit and etch the tooth enamel. With their roughened surfaces,  peroxide-damaged teeth are far more prone to staining.
With significant overuse, many over-the-counter whitening products can even thin the enamel of the teeth, making them look translucent at the edges.

Luckily, there is a way to gently and safely whiten teeth using a continuous low dose of natural hydrogen peroxide.