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Did Zoom Whitening Impair My Taste?

Posted by AllSmiles

Female open mouth with tongue depressorEver since I got Zoom whitening in August, my taste has been impaired. Sometimes it goes away completely. I am not sure what the process did because the bleach was not on my tongue, and the dentist kept rinsing my teeth after each session. I don’t understand it. What is there about the Zoom process that might impair my taste? Thank you. Regina from Ohio

Regina,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concern. Loss of taste affects your ability to enjoy eating. According to the National Institute of Health, more than 200,000 people visit a doctor each year because of lost or impaired taste.

Can Zoom Whitening Impair Taste?

Zoom whitening and other types of in-office professional whitening are not related to impaired or lost taste. But taste disorders can be caused by different factors. Although your loss of taste began after your Zoom whitening sessions, another issue must have caused it.

Not Zoom but Opalescence Boost in-office whitening applied to a patient's teeth
Zoom and other types of in-office whitening do not impair taste

Some causes of taste disorders

  • Middle ear and upper respiratory infections
  • Ear, nose, or throat surgery
  • Radiation therapy of the head or neck
  • Head injury
  • Exposure to certain chemicals or medications
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Certain medical conditions, including sinus and allergy issues, hormonal disturbances, dental problems, and more
  • Genetics
  • Tobacco smoking
  • Age  (60+)

Should You Do Anything About Loss of Taste?

If you lose your taste, or if it is impaired, please do not ignore it. Loss of taste or impaired taste can ultimately affect your health. It can cause you to eat too little or too much. And it can cause you to add too much sugar or salt to your food, which can lead to diabetes or high blood pressure complications. Loss of taste can even cause depression.

Consult an otolaryngologist (ENT) for your taste disorder to find out the cause and treatment methods.

Thomas J. Goebel, DDS of Moline, IL, sponsors this post.