What is a common result of improper teeth whitening abuse?

Prepare for the Oregon Expanded Function Dental Assistant Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ensure you're ready for your certification!

The correct answer highlights thermal hypersensitivity as a common result of improper teeth whitening abuse. This condition occurs when the whitening agents, especially those containing high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbide peroxide, penetrate the tooth's enamel and reach the dentin. This can lead to irritation of the nerve endings within the tooth, resulting in an exaggerated response to temperature changes, such as hot or cold stimuli.

People who misuse whitening products or use them too frequently may experience this heightened sensitivity, making it uncomfortable or painful to consume food and beverages at varying temperatures. Proper use and supervision by dental professionals can mitigate such risks, as they can recommend appropriate concentrations and application times tailored to individual patient needs.

The other options, while they may be related to dental issues, do not specifically address the immediate and common consequence of whitening abuse as effectively as thermal hypersensitivity does. For example, increased cavity risk generally results from factors like poor oral hygiene rather than whitening treatments themselves, gum recession is more often linked to aggressive brushing or periodontal disease, and tooth loss is typically a result of severe decay or advanced gum disease rather than whitening abuse.

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