Patients who have had their teeth whitened may acquire sensitive teeth. The sensitivity is caused by the whitening procedure. Learn more by visiting the Radiant Smiles homepage today.
After Teeth Whitening, What Causes Sensitivity?
Dental bleaching chemicals work so well because they penetrate deep into the tooth enamel to whiten and brighten the teeth more effectively than treatments that only sit on the surface. However, in certain situations, dental-grade bleaching chemicals can penetrate the enamel via the dentinal tubules, exposing the nerve endings beneath.
How to Prevent Teeth Whitening Sensitivity
Fortunately, you may take actions to avoid or lessen dentinal hypersensitivity before, during, and after tooth whitening.
Preventing Sensitivity to Teeth Whitening Before Treatment
At least one week before your teeth whitening procedure, switch to a sensitive teeth toothpaste or gel. These specific toothpaste and gels function by covering the dentinal tubules or desensitizing the dentinal tubules’ nerve ends.
During Teeth Whitening Procedure
Use a tooth whitening kit at home and vary the time according to your level of sensitivity. If you’re having trouble with tooth sensitivity, consider completing more sessions but minimizing the time between them.
Use barely enough whitening gel to coat each tooth if you’re using a home teeth whitening kit. Adding additional gel to your teeth will not make them whiter, but it may make them more sensitive.
Never sleep with your teeth whitening kit since it permits more bleaching chemicals to enter the dentinal tubules and reach the nerve endings when worn for a long period. Furthermore, you may sleep so peacefully that you ignore sensitive warning indicators, such as slight discomfort, that you might normally detect when awake.
After Teeth Whitening Procedure
Ask your doctor to prescribe or recommend a prescription-strength toothpaste or gel that is particularly developed to minimize sensitivity after teeth whitening.
Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, then rinse your mouth with lukewarm water instead of cold. Leave the desensitizing toothpaste or gel in your mouth for a few moments before washing to give it more time to act.
Hot and cold liquids should be avoided since they might activate nerve endings and create discomfort. Avoiding some beverages, such as coffee and tea, will also extend the life of your teeth whitening.
To get liquid past sensitive teeth, use a straw. Using a straw also extends the life of your whiter, brighter smile.
Speak with a teeth whitening professional who can walk you through the entire procedure. While teeth whitening may appear straightforward at first appearance – simply apply the gel as prescribed — teeth whitening professionals can provide advice on how to optimize the outcome, achieve long-term results, and decrease discomfort. Radiant Smiles has been offering outstanding dental care in Yokine, WA for some years, so our dental specialists are familiar with the most effective tooth whitening treatments.
For a whiter, healthier smile tomorrow, make an appointment with Radiant Smiles now.