A brighter smile is something many people want, and teeth whitening products make it easier than ever to achieve. From strips and gels to trays and pens, store-bought options are widely available and convenient. But can you have too much of a good thing?

The short answer is yes—using teeth whitening products too frequently can lead to unwanted side effects and may even harm your teeth over time.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull and allows you to chew, speak, and yawn. TMJ disorders occur when this joint or the surrounding muscles become misaligned, inflamed, or injured. Symptoms often include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, headaches, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

While jaw discomfort is the most obvious sign, TMJ disorders can also affect other systems in the body, including your sense of balance.