Everyone wants to look and feel their best. Teeth whitening is a relatively new trend that is popular in the dentist’s chair and in the home.

Since about 1989, professional and home teeth whitening methods have increased in popularity. Medical and consumer health awareness groups have paid much attention to the safety and effectiveness of whitening products. These processes have received generally positive reports in both areas of effectiveness and consumer safety.

There are several issues that you should keep in mind when considering teeth whitening:

Some concerns have been raised in the medical community and consumer community at large about the risk of bleaching teeth whitening agents causing cancer.

On the other hand, studies have demonstrated that the concentration of carbamide peroxide in teeth whitening is no believed to cause cancers of the gums or mouth tissue. There is a natural agent present in human saliva that seems to offset the amount of peroxide given off by the teeth whitening agents.

Much consideration and attention has also been given to the fear of damage or erosion of tooth enamel caused by bleaching agents. After careful study, medical experts now say that more damage is done to a tooth’s enamel by soft drinks or fruit juices than by tooth whitening bleaches.

The issue of nerve endings being affected by teeth whitening is still in its early stages since this can be studied only in longer intervals such as five to eight years after the teeth whitening procedure. Despite this concern there is still little damage being shown to teeth that have undergone whitening and been in for a five to eight year checkup after the process.

While it isn’t possible to have teeth whitening done if you have caps or crowns on your teeth it is possible to undergo the procedure if you have had simple fillings or root canal procedures. So far the dental histories have not shown any problems from this procedure, but studies are still in their infancy.

Even though the studies mentioned are valid and accurate, it is always best to consult with your dental health professional to decide your best course of action.

Your personal dental history is unique, so studies that support teeth whitening in certain situations it may still pose specific risks for you. Don’t take any unnecessary risks just for the sake of appearances.