Bleachorexia
People who misuse and abuse these bleaching products are in a condition called “bleachorexia” or “whitening junky,” somewhat similar to body dysmorphic disorder. These “bleachorexic” abuse bleaching techniques and products cause teeth erosion, extreme sensitivity, and gingiva irritations. University of Southern California School of Dentistry 2002 survey of 100 people, 50% experienced mild to moderate sensitivity after using an over-the-counter-strength whitening gel.
Bleachorexia
Bleachorexia is an unhealthy obsession with whitening one’s teeth. Unfortunately, this term is not unheard of today. Whitening your teeth too often can be really bad for your dental health, especially if you aren’t seeing a cosmetic dentist in New Jersey. Teeth whitening has become big business.
Americans spend billions on teeth whitening products annually, and in dentists’ offices, bleaching is the most requested procedure among patients aged 40 to 60, according to a survey conducted by the ADA. Teeth whitening toothpaste is now more popular than any other kind.
Dentists all around the world are working hard to identify who makes a good candidate for teeth whitening and who should skip the procedure. The answers are becoming clearer, but researchers are also uncovering what may be the true hazard of whitening- overuse of chemicals inside the whitening products.
The market for teeth-whitening products has exploded in recent years. And it’s tough to figure out which products are safe and effective. You may be looking to remove years of surface stains from red wine and coffee. Or maybe you just want to brighten up your smile. In either case, you'll first need to know if teeth whitening is safe for you and which option is most appropriate.
How do teeth-whitening products work?
Your teeth have molecules on them that reflect light. This is what gives off the color of your teeth when you smile. The more complex these molecules are, the lighter they reflect. And this increase in light reflection can cause your teeth to appear stained or discolored.
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two most common active ingredients in teeth-whitening products. They both work by breaking down the complex staining molecules, so you can have a brighter and whiter smile.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Teeth whitening is safe if done by a dental professional or if you use products that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Having the ADA Seal of Acceptance on an over-the-counter whitening product ensures that it’s safe and effective.
However, like any cosmetic procedure, teeth whitening has potential side effects. Overuse or misuse of whitening products can lead to damage to your teeth and gums, sensitivity, and other problems.
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