05/20/2026
THE RISKS OF VISITING A SALON OR OTHER NON-DENTAL SETTING TO HAVE YOUR TEETH WHITENED
Unregulated whitening businesses are everywhere...beauty salons, mall kiosks, and even people performing these treatments right out of their homes.
Teeth whitening at a salon or other non-dental setting poses serious risks, primarily due to the lack the training to evaluate your oral health.
CONSIDER THESE RISKS before considering whitening your teeth in a non-dental setting:
*Unsupervised bleaching can strip away essential minerals, permanently weakening the tooth’s enamel. Once this enamel is lost, it does not grow back.
*Bleaching agents pe*****te the enamel to reach the dentin. Without a dentist ensuring your teeth and gums are healthy, you are at a much higher risk for lasting sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
*Whitening over undiagnosed cavities, exposed roots, or gum disease (gingivitis) can allow bleaching chemicals damage the nerves of your teeth.
*If you have crowns, veneers, or fillings, they will not whiten, resulting in a patchy, uneven smile.
LOOKING FOR A WHITER SMILE? VISIT YOUR DENTIST FIRST!
The first real step into whitening your teeth is to have a dental checkup and cleaning. The cleaning will remove calculus deposits that have built up so that teeth are more receptive to the bleaching. An examination by a dentist is also imperative, as you will need to be checked for any issues that may need to be addressed before you bleach, such as gum disease and decay. It is important to know that whitening products only change the color of natural tooth structure, therefore, fillings and/or crowns (caps) will not change color. That being said, natural teeth that are stained due to medications may not respond well to bleaching and other options may need to be discussed. In addition, your dentist will know the appropriate strength of material to give you.
Play it Safe…call your dentist.