A beautiful, shining and confident smile is everyone’s dream. Many people consider professional teeth whitening as a counter treatment. However, teeth whitening procedures can cause temporary sensitivity. It may occur during your treatment or when you consume anything after. We have presented some information on why teeth whitening treatment can cause temporary sensitivity and how you can effectively manage it!
What Causes Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a dentist recommended treatment if you experience staining or discoloration. Discoloration of teeth can occur due to many reasons such as bacteria build-up, coffee, tea, wine or from smoking cigarettes.
Among the few reasons why teeth whitening can cause sensitivity are because of the bleaching agents present in the treatment. All forms of bleaching agents can cause inflammation to the pulp. Teeth whitening products include carbamide and hydrogen peroxide which may have shown to cause sensitivity. However, this sensitivity is short lived and temporary.
This is why we do not recommend using DIY strategies to whiten your teeth. Not only certain bleaching products, used without proper knowledge, can make your teeth porous but also inflame your gums. Professional treatments are on the other hand safer and accounted for.
What Are Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth?
Sensitivity after teeth whitening manifests itself as a sharp, temporary pain while brushing, eating, or drinking. You can report this instance to your dentist about what to expect when getting this treatment and how to manage it.
How You Can Treat Teeth Sensitivity After Professional Whitening?
There are a few tips and tricks which can help manage teeth sensitivity after whitening.
Disclaimer: Always talk to your oral healthcare provider before trying the following!
- Take pain relievers which can help reduce inflammation, redness or swelling during or after the treatment.
- It is recommended to use a desensitizing toothpaste prior to your whitening treatment to help relieve sensitivity.
- Using a soft bristled toothbrush can minimize pressure and prevent damage to your tooth enamel and gums.
- Avoid eating anything hot or cold right after your treatment.
- Use a mouthwash containing fluoride or potassium nitrate twice a day. It will help soothe sensitivity.
How Long Does Tooth Sensitivity Last After Whitening?
It is common to experience some level of tooth sensitivity. However, it should last for over 1 or 2 days at max. If sensitivity continues, there could be other reasons including:
- Decayed teeth
- Exposed dentin
- Cracked teeth
- Defective or broken restorations
Choosing An Alternative To Teeth Whitening
You can address the issue of tooth sensitivity with your healthcare provider. Your dentist can help tailor a more suited plan. This means you can alter the whitening agent or change the concentration of whitening gel to help prevent tooth sensitivity and still give you your desired results.
Limit The Frequency Of Teeth Whitening
It is true that teeth whitening agents can cause sensitivity. Hence, we recommend you to include your dental provider in your whitening journey. Having your teeth examined may help you avoid sensitivity. Else, your dentist can limit your whitening appointments until it becomes a disguise.
Final Words
Teeth whitening is a safe and reliable dental treatment sought by many. However, you may experience tooth sensitivity after that. You can manage it by taking pain relievers, using desensitizing toothpaste, rinsing twice with mouthwash etc.
If you need more information on teeth whitening, experts at Spring Cypress Dental can address your concerns. Call us at (281) 256-3222.