Teeth Whitening Gone Wrong? Common Causes and How to Fix Them
- Jack Ranson
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read

Getting a brilliant white smile through teeth whitening treatments in Saskatoon has really taken off. But if things don't go smoothly at the teeth whitening clinic in Saskatoon, you could be in for anything from minor discomfort to serious problems. Thus, knowing what can go wrong and how to fix it quickly becomes crucial.
Understanding Teeth Whitening Complications
Natural teeth come in shades of light yellow or gray. Professional whitening treatments get rid of built-up stains. Complications can arise during teeth whitening procedures in Saskatoon dental services, and when they do, they usually fall into a few categories.
Research indicates that bleaching using a 35% hydrogen peroxide product caused tooth sensitivity in all cases, highlighting the importance of choosing experienced dental services in Saskatoon.
Most Common Teeth Whitening Problems
Gum Irritation and Chemical Burns
Using whitening agents the wrong way can cause irritation and even burns. When carbamide peroxide comes into contact with soft tissues, it can really irritate the gums.
Signs to look out for:
White or discoloured patches on your gums
Gums that are bleeding or swollen
A burning feeling that doesn't go away
Eating or speaking that's causing trouble
Uneven Whitening Results
About 15% of at-home whitening treatments and 3% of professional procedures don't yield optimal results. This uneven whitening happens when:
Existing dental work (crowns, fillings) doesn't respond to bleaching
Uneven gel application
Pre-existing tooth damage or decay
Inconsistent treatment duration
Severe Tooth Sensitivity
About 78% of patients who get their teeth professionally whitened experience sensitivity. This happens when peroxide seeps through the enamel and irritates the dentin layer. Sensitivity can be anything from mild discomfort to really sharp pain.
Immediate Solutions:
Use toothpaste with potassium nitrate to help dull sensitivity
Your dental clinic Saskatoon team will give you instructions on applying fluoride gel, so follow their advice
Be gentle on your teeth - avoid hot or cold foods and drinks for a couple of days
You can take over-the-counter pain relievers if you need some extra relief
Enamel Damage: The Hidden Danger
Damaging your enamel can cause more sensitivity, pain, and white spots. Using teeth whitening products too much can permanently harm your teeth.
Signs of Enamel Damage:
Increased translucency in teeth
Permanent sensitivity to temperature changes
White chalky spots on tooth surfaces
Rough texture when running tongue over teeth
Professional Assessment at Aspen Green Dental
If you're having trouble after teeth whitening in Saskatoon, Aspen Green Dental's here to help. They offer thorough assessments to figure out what's going on. Their team observes just how bad the problem is and finds the best solution.
Immediate Steps When Things Go Wrong
Stop Treatment Immediately
Stop using whitening products at the first sign of trouble. Most at-home whitening kits are only meant to be used for up to two weeks. Using them for longer than that greatly increases the risk.
Rinse and Neutralise
Swish lukewarm water around in your mouth
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water
Put an ice pack to bring down swelling
Contact Your Dental Professional
Seek immediate professional care if experiencing:
Agonizing pain that lasts
Visible damage
Sudden sensitivity
Signs of an infection
Prevention Strategies for Safe Whitening
Professional Consultation First
Always consult with qualified dental professionals in Saskatoon. They can:
Check if you're a good candidate for whitening
Look out for any potential problems
Suggest the right treatment strength for you
Give you custom trays for an even application
If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a useful guide on how to find a dentist for teeth whitening in Saskatoon to help you choose a trustworthy clinic before starting treatment.
Follow Professional Guidelines
At-home whitening kits are generally safe as long as you follow the instructions. Here are a few don'ts to keep in mind:
Don't overdo it on the concentration levels
Don't leave it on longer than recommended
Don't use it more often than you should
Don't use it for longer than the package says
Gradual Approach
Begin with lower concentrations and shorter sessions. With professional teeth whitening treatments in Saskatoon, you can expect controlled and gradual lightening that reduces potential issues.
Long-term Recovery and Maintenance
Healing Timeline
Sensitivity: Usually goes away within 2-3 days
Gum irritation: Normally clears up in 3-7 days
Enamel remineralisation: Takes around 2-4 weeks
Severe damage: Can take months to fix
Ongoing Care
Maintain results safely by:
Using whitening toothpaste sparingly
Avoiding staining substances immediately post-treatment
Regular dental cleanings every six months
Professional touch-ups annually
Aspen Green Dental provides detailed aftercare guidance and follow-up appointments to help your mouth heal properly.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Contact emergency dental services in Saskatoon immediately if experiencing:
Trouble swallowing or catching your breath
Really bad swelling in your face
High fever with a bad toothache
Bleeding that just won't stop
Signs of a severe allergic reaction
Key Takeaway
Ultimately, most problems can be fixed if you see a Saskatoon dental clinic expert quickly. The main thing is to catch issues early and get the right expert care, rather than trying to treat them yourself.
A professional teeth whitening Saskatoon clinic, like Aspen Green Dental, has the expertise and treatments to handle any issues that come up. If you're unsure, just talk to some dental experts who can help you get the look you want without any harm.
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