Wanting a brighter, whiter smile is perfectly normal. Wanting to avoid dental sensitivity after professional teeth whitening is also understandable. Unfortunately for many individuals, especially those who purchase store-bought brands, stinging and sharp pain often accompany attempts to achieve desired results. Is there a way to avoid this problem when allowing a cosmetic dentist to provide treatment? Keep reading to learn how to minimize your risk while working toward a stain-free smile.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?
The main reason so many people experience tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening in Farmington is that the ingredients used to remove stubborn stains can be harsh. The process involves applying a bleaching gel to your teeth, which removes small amounts of minerals from the enamel.
As a result, your teeth become much more porous, allowing the whitening agent to penetrate further into the tooth’s layers until it reaches the dentin. The tubules within this second layer are highly sensitive, which can cause immediate pain when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold, acidic, or sweet foods or beverages.
Although not everyone experiences tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening, many do, and it can last for several days before it finally dissipates.
What Can You Do to Avoid Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?
The most effective way to prevent tooth sensitivity is to let a cosmetic dentist handle your whitening treatment. Unlike store-bought brands that offer no oversight or contain higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, a professional can customize your plan to accommodate your level of sensitivity.
Dentists who offer take-home whitening kits can ensure you understand how to use the custom trays and bleaching agent correctly and provide a whitening gel that is less likely to cause sensitivity than others.
You can also:
- Reduce the frequency of how often you whiten your teeth
- Stay away from cold, hot, acidic, spicy, and sweet foods and beverages for several days
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste in the days leading up to the start of treatment
Don’t let the idea of potential sensitivity keep you from seeking a brighter smile. By keeping your dentist informed of your concerns, you can be sure that they will prepare a plan that not only whitens your teeth but protects them during and after treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Leslie Metzger is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. She attended cosmetic dentistry programs at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and is actively involved in the American Association of Cosmetic Dentists. Providing take-home teeth whitening kits to patients seeking brighter smiles, she walks them through the process to ensure beautiful results in just a few weeks. Want to say goodbye to tooth stains and see a whiter, more vibrant smile? Visit our website or call (248) 476-3410 to schedule a consultation today.