If you’re looking for a brighter smile, you may want to consider using teeth whitening products or even going to your dentist for teeth whitening in Edmonton. However, some teeth whitening products can leave you with sensitive teeth. In fact, teeth whitening kits often leave you with temporary tooth sensitivity. Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during their teeth whitening treatment or when drinking hot or cold beverages, such as tea or coffee.
Here’s what you need to know about temporary tooth sensitivity during teeth whitening treatments and how you can manage it.
What Causes Teeth Whitening Sensitivity?
Many people seek teeth whitening treatments because of stains or discoloration on their teeth. These stains can be caused by drinking coffee, tea, or wine or by smoking cigarettes. Certain medications can also cause discolored teeth.
Both over the counter (OTC) and professional teeth whitening treatments by a dentist near you can be sensitive. Think about the structure of your teeth. Teeth consist of three layers: enamel, dentin, and pulp.
Whitening treatments can cause sensitivity, but it’s usually caused by the bleaching agent. Higher levels of bleaching agents, like carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, can cause more sensitivity. But don’t worry, it’s usually only temporary, especially if you stop using it right away. If you’re having trouble with your teeth, it could be because of the gel trays in your at-home kit.
If your teeth are starting to hurt while you’re whitening them at home, it’s probably time to call your dentist. Depending on how much hydrogen peroxide is in the solution, the longer you’ll need to use it, If you’re getting whitening at the dentist’s office, they may have extra ingredients to help fight tooth sensitivity, like fluoride, potassium nitrate, etc.
Tips for Managing Tooth Sensitivity
Use a whitening product with less intensity.
When it comes to whitening strips, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in OTC whitening strips can range from 5.3-6.5%. Your dentist in Edmonton may use products with more powerful carbamide peroxide, which can range from 10-45%. The higher the concentration of carbamide peroxide, the greater the sensitivity of the teeth.
Take a break from whitening treatments until the sensitivity is less
If you’re using a whitening tray at home, make sure you stick to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you only put a tiny bit of whitening gel in each spot where there’s a tooth. And don’t fill the tray too much. If you end up with too much gel on your gums, it means you’ve put too much whitening gel in the tray, and it’s more likely that you’ll get sensitivity. To get rid of the extra whitening gel, use a toothbrush or a cotton swab.
While whitening, avoid certain foods and beverages
If you’ve recently whitened your teeth, it’s important to make sure you don’t eat or drink anything that’s too hot, cold, or acidic. That way, you won’t experience as much sensitivity or pain.
Use a straw to drink
When you really need a hot cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea, try drinking it through a straw. A straw sticks out past your teeth, so you shouldn’t have too much of the usual pain that comes with drinking a hot or cold drink after treatment.
Brush your teeth with a special toothpaste
Some toothpastes, like Colgate Sensitive and Sensodyne, work to block pain signals sent from your teeth to your nerves. The same goes for desensitizing toothpastes like Smile Brilliant and Senzaway.
After Whitening, How Long Does Tooth Sensitivity Last?
Once you have gotten teeth whitening near you, the sensitivity should go away. This usually happens by the fourth day of treatment. If it’s still there, it could be a sign that there’s something wrong with your teeth. You can consult a dentist, they will help you figure out the problem.
Our Dentists Can Help You With Whitening Sensitivity
Even though tooth whitening products are totally safe to use in the comfort of your own home, sensitivity can still happen. Knowing what you can do to help reduce sensitivity. Get in touch with us at Belle Rive Dental Clinic; we can help you with all your smile goals.
