The growing trend of brilliant white smiles has finally spawned a new type of dental disorder that is sweeping the country. The condition is known as bleachorexia and is characterized by excessive bleaching of the teeth in the hopes of gaining the perfect white smile.
Patients who are in pursuit of gaining magnificent pearly whites are known for bleaching their teeth at home and doing it much more than the recommended amount as prescribed by their dentist or on the product’s box.
This phenomena is very troubling as the whitening methods used by over the counter whitening products use carbamide peroxide as the main whitening ingredient. This chemical is known for stripping teeth of their natural enamel leading to some dangerous side effects. Most notably is the teeth will become brittle and lead to breaking easily. Additionally, some teeth will develop a chalky exterior and will become horribly sensitive due to the removal of the enamel on the teeth.
One very concerning issue from excessive whitening is that after the enamel has been completely stripped from the teeth, it is almost impossible to regain the original levels of enamel on the teeth. Some have even stated that their teeth feel ‘mushy’ and are extremely flexible to the touch.
The frustrating part for people who suffer from bleachorexia is that they will never be able to attain a bright white smile like their favorite celebrity. The reason for this is that as teeth are excessively whitened and the enamel is eroded, the teeth become thinner and translucent blotches will begin to appear on teeth instead of revealing a bright white smile.
The safest way to get the blinding white smile you’ve always dreamed of is to schedule an appointment with a licensed dentist. From there, the dentist can assess the level of whiteness your teeth will be able to achieve without risking further issue. If you are unhappy with that, then the dentist can offer additional cosmetic procedures, such as veneers or bonding to achieve the perfect look.
For more information about teeth whitening or cosmetic procedures, contact us to schedule an appointment at 501-954-9900 today.