Teeth Whitening Whitening Safety & Sensitivity

Question 1

Which patient group should AVOID tooth whitening products due to risk of enamel damage?

Accepted Answer

Children under 16 with incompletely formed enamel

Answer

Adults over 60 with mild discoloration

Answer

Patients with amalgam fillings

Answer

Patients who drink coffee daily

Question 2

What is the most commonly reported side effect of teeth whitening?

Accepted Answer

Temporary tooth sensitivity to temperature

Answer

Permanent enamel erosion

Answer

Gum recession

Answer

Tooth fracture

Question 3

How does peroxide cause tooth sensitivity during whitening?

Accepted Answer

It penetrates enamel and dentin to stimulate pulp nerve fibers via fluid movement in tubules

Answer

It dissolves the enamel surface exposing dentin

Answer

It dehydrates gum tissue causing referred pain

Answer

It raises the temperature of the pulp above the pain threshold

Question 4

A patient reports sharp, spontaneous pain that lingers for minutes after whitening. This most likely indicates what?

Accepted Answer

Irreversible pulpitis requiring evaluation before continuing treatment

Answer

Normal temporary sensitivity from peroxide

Answer

Gingival burn from gel overflow

Answer

Sensitivity from a cracked filling

Question 5

What pre-treatment strategy can reduce sensitivity during a whitening course?

Accepted Answer

Using a desensitizing toothpaste with potassium nitrate for 2 weeks before starting

Answer

Avoiding all foods for 24 hours before treatment

Answer

Applying fluoride varnish to crown surfaces only

Answer

Drinking cold water continuously during treatment

Question 6

Which condition makes teeth whitening contraindicated without prior restorative treatment?

Accepted Answer

Exposed dentin from gum recession

Answer

Mild intrinsic staining from aging

Answer

Yellow discoloration from coffee

Answer

Hereditary pale tooth color