What teeth are not suitable for whitening?

Author: Jeff Friesen  |  Last update: Saturday, August 30, 2025

People with gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, or exposed roots should not get teeth whitening. Whitening agents can cause irritation and exacerbate existing dental issues.

What teeth cannot be whitened?

Teeth that have yellowed with age

Dentin is naturally yellowish and cannot be lightened with teeth whitening products.

What disqualifies you from teeth whitening?

People with healthy teeth and gums are typically good candidates for teeth whitening. Gum disease, multiple restorations, and extensive decay disqualify individuals from this cosmetic procedure.

Who is not a candidate for teeth whitening?

Poor Candidates

If you are younger than 16, you are not a candidate for teeth whitening. This is because the pulp chamber in young teeth is larger than that of an adult, and whitening treatments could cause irritation. If you are pregnant or lactating, teeth whitening is not recommended.

Who shouldn't get their teeth whitened?

Who Shouldn't Have Their Teeth Whitened? Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not get their teeth whitened because they are more likely to experience inflamed gums and sensitivity after teeth whitening due to hormonal changes as part of pregnancy.

Teeth Whitening SIDE EFFECTS

Who is not eligible for teeth whitening?

People with gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, or exposed roots should not get teeth whitening. Whitening agents can cause irritation and exacerbate existing dental issues. It's crucial to address these dental health problems first before considering any cosmetic treatments.

When can teeth not be whitened?

In the case of an allergy to peroxide, do not use whitening products, as peroxide is often the whitening agent. Dental restorations—which include (but are not limited to) crowns, veneers, and bridges—do not respond to whitening products. If you whiten with restorations, the results will be uneven.

Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening?

If used over time and without the aid of a professional cosmetic dentist, this treatment could cause tooth sensitivity and at times pain. The worst part for these patients is that by affecting the enamel and causing teeth to become more sensitive overall, the teeth are then primed to become even more stained over time!

Who should not use teeth whitening kits?

“Even with over-the-counter products, it is still recommended to see your dentist prior to starting a whitening procedure.” Dr. Scheier says. Those who are susceptible to sensitivity, either from gum recession or worn-down enamel, may inadvertently increase that sensitivity by using a teeth-whitening kit.

What do dentists say about teeth whitening?

Whitening treatments can be effective on both extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Only natural teeth can be whitened, not tooth-colored restorations. Whitening treatments include in-office bleaching procedures, dentist-supplied products for use at home, and over-the-counter (OTC) whiteners.

Why is it not good to whiten your teeth?

One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration.

What is the safest teeth whitening method?

Here are the four safest ways to whiten your teeth.
  1. Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and gels. Whitening toothpastes and gels are accessible and easy to use. ...
  2. Whitening strips. ...
  3. Custom-fitted whitening trays. ...
  4. In-office blue LED whitening treatment.

Do whitened teeth look fake?

This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.

What color makes your teeth look the whitest?

Make your teeth look whiter – Darker shades like royal/navy blue, purple, and even black can make the color of your teeth appear whiter. Even so, be aware that colors like dark green and brown can look like food.

Can I whiten my teeth if I have thin enamel?

Sometimes, thin or damaged tooth enamel means you're not a good candidate for professional teeth whitening.

Why can't I get my teeth to whiten?

If teeth whitening does not work for you, it might be because of the product you are using, the type of tooth stains or spots, or strength of the bleaching gel. Product type – Whitening toothpaste does not remove deeply embedded stains.

Who Cannot get teeth whitening?

People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide.

Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening?

Brown or gray teeth, or teeth striped or mottled from tetracycline or too much fluoride, may not whiten evenly when bleached. People with periodontal disease or particularly sensitive teeth may want to avoid chemical whitening techniques that can irritate tender gums.

What is the bad side of teeth whitening?

Most teeth whitening products contain a harmless solution of hydrogen peroxide. This ingredient will break down into water and oxygen during the bleaching process. Furthermore, the possible side effects can include tooth sensitivity and irritation.

Is getting your teeth professionally whitened worth it?

The results of professional in-office whitening are significantly better than the degree of whitening you can achieve at home with over-the-counter products. The whitening agent I use is more concentrated than commercial whitening agents. As a result, it lightens your teeth by about eight shades in one hour.

Why are my teeth still yellow after whitening?

Damaged Enamel

If your teeth continue to turn yellow despite having them whitened, enamel degradation could be the culprit.

Do crest white strips work?

While they are extremely popular, many people still question whether or not they actually are effective at whitening teeth. The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth!

What type of teeth cannot be whitened?

Yet, if your teeth stains are underneath the enamel of your teeth, known as intrinsic (internal) discoloration, then the bleaching agent won't be able to remove them.

What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth?

The Link Between vitamin D Deficiency and Yellow Teeth

Increased Susceptibility to Cavities: Weak enamel due to insufficient calcium absorption increases the risk of cavities. Decayed areas can appear yellow or brown, contributing to an overall discolored smile.

Can older teeth be whitened?

Teeth whitening for all ages. Teeth whitening treatments are for everyone – there's no age limit to having any kind of cosmetic dental treatments, so it doesn't matter if you're 26 or 62 or older, if you want whiter teeth, your age is not going to prevent it from happening.

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