One of the most common cosmetic dental procedures utilized is teeth whitening, and it allows for patients to maintain a whiter, brighter smile. However, the most common side effect from teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. The majority of patients report pain or sensitivity to hot and cold foods and liquids after whitening. Understanding why this sensitivity is occurring and how to best prevent and manage it can enable you to appreciate your whitened smile without excessive distress.
In this comprehensive guide, we are going to be finding out what causes sensitivity after teeth whitening, effective ways of curing it, and how to prevent it from happening in the future. We will also be discussing professional treatments at Walsh Dental, where Dr. Thadsha and team provide professional service for all dental needs.
Understanding Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening
Teeth hypersensitivity following the teeth bleaching treatment process is caused by bleach applied during treatment. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the most widely used bleaching agents. They dissolve discoloration as well as spots in the enamel; however, while carrying out this function, they alter the dentin layer beneath the enamel. As a result of this disruption of the dentin layer, temporary microtubule exposure providing access to tooth nerve endings happens.
When the tubules are open, external stimuli—i.e., hot or cold foods and liquids—may trigger temporary pain or discomfort. This should pass in a few days to a week, but, for some, it may last longer.
Factors That Affect Tooth Sensitivity
Several factors may influence how sensitive you get after a whitening procedure:
- Enamel Thickness: Individuals with thinner enamel will tend to be more sensitive since the whitening agents penetrate deeper into the tooth.
- Concentration of Whitening Agents: The greater the concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the greater the risk of heightened sensitivity.
- Frequency of Whitening Treatments: Repeated or frequent treatments of teeth whitening with insufficient time between treatments to recover can lead to long-term sensitivity.
- Pre-existing Sensitivity: If your teeth are sensitive before whitening, you will become more sensitive.
- Gum Recession: In the case of receded gums, the bleaching agents directly come into contact with exposed dentin, and therefore you become sensitive.
How to Treat Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening
If you are sensitive after your whitening treatment, there are several ways in which you can cope with and reduce discomfort effectively.
1. Use Desensitizing Toothpaste
Reducing sensitivity is best done with toothpaste that has stannous fluoride or potassium nitrate. They block nerve channels, and therefore less pain and discomfort are felt. Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief work well.
How to Use:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush teeth twice daily.
- Do not spit out mouthwash immediately after brushing to keep toothpaste in contact with teeth for a longer time.
2. Use Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride strengthens enamel and protects teeth from sensitivity. Use over-the-counter fluoride mouthwashes, or have your dentist apply fluoride professionally.
How to Use:
- Swish with fluoride mouthwash once a day.
- Discuss in-office fluoride varnish treatments with dentist for added protection.
3. Avoid Super-Hot or Super-Cold Foods and Drinks
Your teeth will be sensitive to hot or cold following whitening. Avoid consuming and drinking:
- Ice-cold drinks, ice cream, or scalding coffee
- Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomato sauces
Replace with lukewarm foods and drinks until the sensitivity resolves.
4. Modify Brushing Habits
Hard bristling can make sensitivity worse. Brush teeth with a gentle circular motion using a soft-bristled toothbrush without irritating.
Best Practices:
- Brush for two minutes or more twice a day, gently.
- Do not brush with abrasive whitening toothpaste for three days after whitening.
5. Use a Sensitivity-Reduction Gel
Certain whitening clinics offer desensitizing gels that are designed to soothe teeth after they have been whitened. The gels contain chemicals like calcium phosphate or arginine, which have been proven to shut down sensitivity messages.
How to Use:
- Apply a tiny amount of gel to your teeth using a cotton swab or finger.
- Wait for a few minutes and spit out the water.
6. Reduce Whitening Frequency
Too much use of whitening treatments in the dental office or at home will result in your teeth becoming more and more sensitive. Allowing some time to pass between bleaching treatments ensures the enamel has adequate time to reform itself.
Frequency Recommendations:
- In-office whitening: Every 6-12 months
- Home whitening: Not more than every 4-6 weeks
7. Use a Non-Peroxide Bleach Replacement
For severely sensitive ones when whitening, non-peroxide whitening would be the safest option. They use whitening products with substances like sodium bicarbonate or activated charcoal, which are gentler on the enamel.
How to Prevent Sensitivity Before Whitening
While sensitivity control can be performed, preventive procedures done before whitening will actually forestall any discomfort.
1. Harden Your Enamel Before Whitening
If you’re to use a tooth whitener, try to use a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash a few weeks before your treatment. Pre-whitening hardening of your enamel will minimize post-whitening sensitivity.
2. Get a Dental Checkup Before Whitening
Check with Dentist before whitening your teeth to have your teeth checked. If your tooth is presented with cavities, gum recession, or enamel loss, having them treated first will avoid drastic sensitivity.
3. Opt for Professional Whitening vs. DIY Kits
DIY teeth whitening kits might look like an easy escape, but teeth whitening in Adelaide by a professional is safer and more efficient. Dentists are able to tailor treatments to reduce sensitivity and offer better long-term results.
Professional Solutions at Walsh Dental
If you want the best dental treatment in Adelaide, Walsh Dental offers cutting-edge teeth-whitening procedures based on your personal needs. Our experts are well aware that sensitivity is a problem for most people and take extra care to make you comfortable while the teeth-whitening process is being carried out.
What Makes Walsh Dental Different?
- Custom Whitening Procedures: Our whitening procedures are formulated based on your enamel thickness and sensitivity level.
- Desensitizing Treatments: We also offer fluoride treatments and desensitizing gels to minimize post-whitening sensitivity.
- Professional Care and Guidance: Dentist teaches you how to maintain your results and prevent sensitivity.
Other Dental Services
Aside from teeth whitening, Walsh Dental offers a wide range of dental treatments in Adelaide, including:
If you experience sensitivity following whitening or are considering a professional procedure, Dr. Thadsha and her team at Walsh Dental are ready to help.
Conclusion
Sensitivity after whitening is a normal but acceptable side effect. With the aid of toothpaste containing desensitizing agents, fluoride treatments, dietary modifications, and oral hygiene modifications, sensitivity can be minimized, and you can wear your whiter smile confidently. Pre-whitening preventive measures also minimize sensitivity and maximize overall results.
For the whitest whitening treatment, visit professional teeth whitening in Adelaide at Walsh Dental. With trained hands and tailored treatments, Dr. Thadsha provides you with that beaming smile without any discomfort or sensitivity.
Book an appointment at Walsh Dental today if you’re ready to whiten your smile or need consultation on managing sensitivity!