Oksana Mikheeva warns of risks from unsupervised teeth whitening

Whitening teeth without first assessing oral health can increase sensitivity and damage tissues, dentist Oksana Mikheeva told Lenta.ru in an interview published on October 10.

Patients may be unaware of tooth decay, enamel defects or gum inflammation, she said. These problems should be identified and treated before whitening. People who already have sensitive teeth may worsen their symptoms by using whitening products on their own.

A product's availability without a prescription does not mean it can be used without limits, Mikheeva stressed. Risk depends on concentration, frequency of use and the condition of the teeth. Excessive use of abrasive products increases tissue wear, while aggressive chemical preparations can burn the mouth's lining.

The dentist advised against regularly whitening teeth with baking soda or citric acid. She also noted that fillings, crowns and veneers do not lighten alongside natural teeth. Differences in shade may become more noticeable after treatment, requiring a discussion with a dentist about existing restorations.

The NHS independently says a dentist should check the health of teeth and gums before whitening. It warns about sensitivity, gum irritation and risks from unsuitable home kits. According to the NHS, whitening changes the colour of natural teeth only.