Jun 9, 2009 6:02 am US/Eastern
CBS 2 HD HealthWatch: Teeth Whitening Addiction
Some People Will Go To Extraordinary Lengths To Get Pearly Whites, But Doctors Say You Could Be Hurting Yourself
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
We all know a bright smile is important. In fact, teeth whitening is the number one requested cosmetic service today.
But some people may be going too far in the quest for extra-white pearly whites.
Anastasia Morsucci said she knows what people notice when she walks into a room.
"The first thing they say is you have a nice smile and, looks like you just got them whitened," Morsucci said.
And when it comes to teeth whitening, Morsucci has tried it all, maybe even a bit too much.
"Whitening gum, I have the whitening rinse, I have whitening toothpaste and I've used Crest strips," Morsucci said.
And for some people, teeth whitening becomes an addiction. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, teeth whitening procedures have increased more than 300 percent since 1996.
"If you're obsessed with whitening, caution, over-whitening can cause your teeth to be extremely sensitive," said Dr. Catrise Austin.
It's a phenomenon Morsucci discovered after her last whitening treatment.
"My teeth are already sensitive, but after getting that procedure done, I wanted to cry. The pain was unbearable," Morsucci said.
And it's not just sensitivity that's the problem. Addicted whiteners can suffer redness, irritation and bleeding gums. And in the worst cases, the teeth themselves can become translucent or blotchy.
When done in moderation, Austin says the latest laser whitening treatments are effective and safe.
"I'm hoping that after the whitening, I'll be even more confident, even brighter," patient Dominique Reese said.
Said Dr. Austin: "You can get extensive whitening, that means front and back teeth all at once, and it's still an affordable option."
Ultimately, Dr. Austin recommends seeking the advice of a professional before brightening your smile.
"Your dentist will be able to tell you what color your teeth are, and which method is best for you," Austin said.
Smoking, wine and coffee drinking are among the most common culprits for tooth discoloration, but there can also be medical causes. Problems absorbing calcium and certain medications, including antibiotics and antihistamines, can turn pearly whites yellow.
The price for whitening products varies from $30 to $35 for over-the-counter products, to over $600 for professional laser whitening.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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