Sensitivity and Teeth Whitening: What You Should Know

Many people are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth, so they purchase whitening products that claim to be able to remove stains. Often, those products are at least somewhat effective. However, they may cause uncomfortable side effects. For example, many people experience sharp and painful dental sensitivity. What should you know about sensitivity and teeth whitening? Is it possible to brighten your smile without sensitivity? This blog post provides useful information.

Why Does Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?

Teeth whitening often causes sensitivity because the most common active ingredient in whitening formulas, hydrogen peroxide, can open the tiny tubules in your teeth. Those tubules then allow outside stimulants, such as hot and cold temperatures, to irritate the nerves within your teeth. As a result, you may experience significant discomfort.

Some whitening products cause sensitivity for other reasons. For example, a number of whitening methods use abrasive ingredients that can actually damage the tooth enamel. Other products use gels or trays that do not fit well; they allow the bleaching formula to contact the gums, which may start to hurt as a result.

How to Avoid Whitening-Related Sensitivity

Does the above information mean that you should not whiten your teeth if you want to avoid increased dental sensitivity? No, not necessarily. Here are some tips that can help you to safely and comfortably achieve a brighter smile:

• Use whitening products only as instructed. Do not use the products too often or for too long.
• Avoid DIY whitening hacks. You might find “tips” on social media about how to whiten your teeth using things like strawberries or activated charcoal. Such methods may damage your enamel.
• Ask your dentist which whitening system you should use. Some professional whitening products, such as the Bravo take-home whitening kits, are specifically engineered to minimize or even prevent sensitivity altogether.
• Get a dental checkup before you whiten. Whitening formulas can cause extra sensitivity in teeth that have spots of decay. You should get such issues treated before you try to enhance your smile’s aesthetics.
• Adapt your diet. If a whitening treatment causes sensitivity, you can reduce your discomfort by temporarily avoiding hot, cold, and spicy foods. In most cases, patients are able to result a normal diet 48 hours or so after they complete a whitening treatment.

Teeth whitening treatments can cause sensitivity, but it is possible to brighten your smile in a safe and comfortable way. Your dentist will be happy to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Meet the Practice

Dr. George Keanna is an experienced holistic dentist in Albuquerque. He wants his patients to enjoy the benefits of an attractive smile with as little discomfort as possible, which is why he offers gentle and effective teeth whitening treatments. To learn more about how he and our team may be able to serve you, contact Natural Dental Services at 505-292-8533.