Bleachorexia, or as I like to call it, bleachomania, is what occurs when someone over-whitens their teeth. I liken it to body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), often but not limited to teenagers, where one is continually finding fault with their appearance.
While most of us would like to have a brighter, whiter smile, especially around the holidays, the bleaching process can certainly be overdone. When this occurs the teeth can become irreversibly pinkish-gray, almost translucent at the edges and quite sensitive.
There are many options to achieving a whiter smile including over the counter whitening strips, in-office bleaching, at home bleaching, whitening toothpastes and if all else fails, porcelain laminate veneers. You can find more information at Mouth Healthy, an information website by the American Dental Association or by visiting my website page on teeth whitening.
The most important consideration is that you choose the option right for you. That’s where professional advice is critical. While white strips may be fine for some, I’ve seen so many problems with whitening occur over the years that I would recommend professional supervision with almost any technique.
It’s what folks don’t know that can get them into trouble and potentially ruin that smile that we all want for the holidays!
Any questions on tooth whitening or any other oral health issue, feel free to contact me or the staff at my office, Dr. Laurence Stone in Doylestown, PA with any questions or concerns or to schedule your next visit so we can talk more about this.
