Whitening strips are a popular and convenient way to brighten your teeth at home. However, it is important to use them correctly to avoid any potential risks or side effects. One common concern is what happens if you fall asleep with whitening strips on.
Falling asleep with whitening strips on can be potentially harmful and uncomfortable.
Here are some of the potential risks and side effects:
- Sensitivity: Leaving whitening strips on for too long can cause tooth sensitivity and discomfort. If you fall asleep with whitening strips on, you may be at risk for experiencing sensitivity or discomfort when you wake up.
- Irritation: Whitening strips can cause irritation to the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. If you leave the strips on for too long, you may experience irritation or inflammation in your gums or other soft tissues.
- Uneven whitening: Leaving whitening strips on for too long can cause uneven whitening. This is because the strips may move around in your mouth while you sleep, causing some areas to be overexposed to the whitening gel.
- Swallowing the gel: If you fall asleep with whitening strips on, you may be at risk for accidentally swallowing some of the whitening gel. This can cause stomach discomfort and potentially harmful effects.
To avoid these potential risks and side effects, it is important to follow the instructions carefully when using whitening strips. Be sure to only leave the strips on for the recommended amount of time, typically around 30 minutes. It is also important to avoid falling asleep with the strips on and to always remove them before going to bed.
In conclusion, falling asleep with whitening strips on can be potentially harmful and uncomfortable. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid leaving the strips on for too long or falling asleep with them on. If you experience any discomfort or side effects from using whitening strips, be sure to consult with your dentist.
