Teeth whitening is an effective and fast way to enhance your smile, boost your confidence, and/or prepare to look your best at special occasions. However, while it is generally very safe, it does have a common side effect: a temporary increase in dental sensitivity. How can you manage or avoid this issue? Continue reading to discover five helpful tips.
Prepare Well for Treatment
Preparation is important for a successful and comfortable teeth whitening endeavor. Before you use any whitening products, visit your dentist for a checkup. They can check for things like untreated cavities, exposed tooth roots due to gum recession, or other factors that could worsen whitening-related sensitivity. After any necessary treatments, your mouth should be healthy enough for a cosmetic service, and you will be less likely to experience severe sensitivity.
Choose the Right Treatment
Most teeth whitening treatments use similar active ingredients, but that does not mean they are all the same. Some have a higher concentration of bleaching agents, while others have a lower concentration. Higher concentrations whiten faster but might cause more sensitivity. Some formulas have abrasive additions that may help with whitening but can damage your enamel if you overuse them.
Research any whitening products you are thinking about using so you can make well-informed decisions. The best thing to do is consult your dentist. They will likely suggest a professional whitening treatment. These options have a high concentration of whitening agents but also contain desensitizing ingredients that make the process much more comfortable.
Modify Your Diet
If you experience post-treatment sensitivity, it is likely to last just a few days. During that window, you should modify your diet to avoid stimuli that could exacerbate your discomfort. For example, you should not consume anything that is very hot, cold, or acidic. A mild diet is best. Also, you may need to focus on items that are minimally pigmented so you can preserve the results of your whitening treatment. Things like potatoes, bananas, and milk are safe choices.
Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
After teeth whitening, the tiny openings in your tooth enamel are more permeable, so it is easier for outside stimuli to irritate your teeth’s nerves. Desensitizing toothpaste contains ingredients that block those little openings and prevent bouts of pain. Your dentist might recommend that you use such a product during your post-whitening period.
Use Other Comfort Measures as Necessary
To minimize sensitivity, you can also take appropriate doses of over-the-counter pain relievers or ask your dentist if a topical fluoride treatment could help. Fluoride helps to build up the enamel and can help to protect your teeth’s sensitive inner layers. Also, be sure to space out your whitening treatments so overuse does not lead to long-term sensitivity (most dentists recommend 1 – 2 whitening treatments a year maximum).
Sensitivity after teeth whitening is a common side effect, but most patients find it tolerable — especially if you implement protective measures before and after you brighten your smile.
Meet the Practice
At Canal Side Family Dental, our practice offers both in-office and take-home whitening services. The products we use are safe, high-quality, and contain desensitizing agents to make them as comfortable as possible. To learn more or to request a cosmetic consultation with our team, contact our office in Buzzards Bay at 508-375-3149.