If you’re dreaming of a brighter, more radiant smile, you’re not alone! Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can enhance your smile’s appearance and boost your confidence. However, many patients who brighten their grins with store-bought kits experience tooth sensitivity. Continue reading to learn how you can avoid sensitive teeth, while achieving dazzling results!
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity can be caused by many factors like cavities, aggressive brushing, and teeth grinding. These activities slowly wear away the enamel on your pearly whites, exposing them to temperature and pressure changes. Without strong and thick enamel, the inner layers of your teeth—the dentin and pulp, are left vulnerable. Then, hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks can trigger a painful response.
How Does Teeth Whitening Cause Tooth Sensitivity?
Your tooth enamel is porous, meaning it’s full of microscopic holes. These holes are where the pigments from food and drink accumulate and cause discoloration. Whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide penetrate the enamel and break up these pigments, leaving your teeth brighter and whiter. However, this process also leaves your enamel slightly weakened.
Professional treatments are less likely to cause this sensitivity as the chemicals in them are carefully measured. Store-bought kits, strips, and toothpastes are the real culprits as people tend to overuse them.
How To Avoid Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening
So, how can you avoid tooth sensitivity when getting your teeth whitened?
- Consult with Your Dentist: Before beginning any teeth whitening, talk with your dentist. They can evaluate your oral health and recommend the most suitable whitening options tailored to your needs. This step is especially important because using whitening products while you have cavities or gum disease can be painful.
- Consider Professional Whitening Treatments: Professional teeth whitening treatments performed in a dental office offer controlled and monitored whitening processes. Your dentist can customize the treatment to minimize sensitivity while maximizing results.
- Try At-Home Whitening Kits with Caution: If you decide to use at-home whitening kits, choose those with the American Dental Association seal of approval. Follow the instructions carefully and avoid overusing them to prevent sensitivity or irritation.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine to support your teeth and gums during the whitening process. Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a fluoride toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth to strengthen enamel.
With the right approach and gentle techniques, you can achieve dazzling results from teeth whitening while minimizing sensitivity. By understanding your unique oral health needs and working closely with your dentist, you can enjoy a brighter, more confident smile without sacrificing your comfort.
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Weldon is a talented and professional dentist with a dental doctorate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. For over a decade, he’s provided his patients with brighter smiles and healthier lives through modern dental techniques and technology. Call (352) 622-3236 to schedule a teeth whitening consultation at Weldon Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry of Ocala or visit the website to learn more.