A yellowed or dingy smile can be embarrassing for anyone. Fortunately, teeth whitening can help remove years of stains and whiten your teeth several shades. This can help make your smile bright, beautiful, and more youthful.
While teeth whitening is safe for most patients, it can cause some dental sensitivity, especially for those who have already experienced this issue. The discomfort usually subsides on its own within a few days after treatment is complete. Understanding why whitening treatments cause sensitivity and how to manage it can help patients limit this side effect.
During a professional teeth whitening treatment, a dentist will likely use a type of peroxide gel to remove stains from the teeth. Once this gel is activated, it begins the process of temporarily demineralizing the teeth to penetrate the enamel and target the stains. This demineralization can cause an increase in sensitivity, as it often exposes the microtubules that connect to tooth nerves. Once the treatment is complete, the teeth should remineralize, closing up the microtubules and easing sensitivity.
Another source of discomfort after teeth whitening is gum irritation. While this is rare with professional treatments, it is relatively common when using at-home whitening gels, strips or kits. The ingredients in these products can irritate the soft tissues of the mouth. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to prevent the whitening agents from spreading to the gums when applying at home. Dentists have a variety of useful tools and guards to protect these soft tissues, which is one of the many reasons why professional treatment is often the better choice.
How long sensitivity lasts after a professional whitening treatment varies from patient to patient. For many, the effects wear off within 24 to 48 hours. For others, sensitivity can persist for a few weeks. The important thing to remember is that it should gradually improve, even if it takes some time. If you already struggle with severe or chronic tooth sensitivity, you may want to consult with your dentist about other options to enhance your smile.
There are many ways to deal with sensitive teeth. Both prevention and proper home care after the procedure can make a difference. If these tips do not help and symptoms persist or worsen, be sure to see a dentist for evaluation.
An experienced dentist can choose the right type of whitening treatment for your needs while applying it with precision and care. This approach can reduce unnecessary discomfort and sensitivity.
Even if your teeth are not sensitive before treatment, it can be helpful to start brushing with a sensitive toothpaste ahead of time. Two weeks before teeth whitening service should be enough to allow your teeth and gums to adjust to the change and enjoy the full benefits.
Sometimes, the severity of a patient's dental sensitivity depends on the type and strength of the treatment used. Talk with a dentist about your options. If sensitivity is a concern for you, choose the gentlest strength that will still help you achieve the desired results.
You will still need to brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis after having your teeth whitened professionally. Continue to use sensitive toothpaste to help take the edge off and try to use lukewarm water when rinsing. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid brushing aggressively, especially for the first few days after treatment. A gentle touch at a 45-degree angle can help you clean effectively along the gumline without attacking your enamel.
Certain dietary choices can aggravate symptoms and make tooth sensitivity much worse. Stay away from extremely hot or cold items until the discomfort completely subsides. Highly sweet or acidic foods can also trigger sensitivity. Some of the worst culprits include:
Limit these options or avoid them altogether to reduce tooth sensitivity.
Teeth whitening is a great way to boost your confidence and improve the overall look of your smile. By the very nature of its process, it can cause some patients to experience tooth sensitivity for a few days. If symptoms persist, taking proactive measures can help reduce and prevent this type of discomfort for more enjoyable treatment results.
Request an appointment here: https://www.soflodentistinplantation.com or call Gorfinkel Dentistry at (954) 231-5007 for an appointment in our Plantation office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Plantation, FL.
Worried about tooth extractions? Read on to learn more about this procedure and its aftermath. A tooth extraction is sometimes necessary for oral health but it can change your smile significantly. Beyond the immediate relief from pain or infection, the absence of a tooth leads to new considerations regarding dental aesthetics and function.If a tooth…
Gum disease treatment is necessary for patients whose tooth decay has progressed enough to cause inflammation of the gumline. Without proper treatment, the gum disease will continue to worsen. Dentists have access to specialized tools that patients cannot use in their homes to remedy the issue. While each person’s oral health situation is unique, most…
Tooth extraction, whether by professional intervention or through trauma, needs to be replaced as soon as healing allows. Healing can vary depending on the number of teeth extracted and the extraction type. The same can be said for the replacement options. The type the dentist introduces will depend on the number of teeth needing replacement,…
For a nicer smile, clear aligners could be the right solution for you. There are other methods of straightening teeth and repairing alignment issues, but aligners have advantages. There are benefits to using aligners that other treatments cannot provide. Your dentist can answer questions and concerns you may have. It is good to understand how…
Worried about tooth extractions? Read on to learn more about this procedure and its aftermath.…
Gum disease treatment is necessary for patients whose tooth decay has progressed enough to cause…
Tooth extraction, whether by professional intervention or through trauma, needs to be replaced as soon…
Aligners can effectively treat misalignments, crowded teeth, gaps in the mouth, and minor bite issues.
If you recently found out that you need to undergo a root canal treatment, you…
You may need a dental crown, but it all depends on your root canal treatment.…
