How to Deal With Teeth Whitening Sensitivity

Everyone wants to ensure that they have a great appearance as everyone is aware of the value of first impressions. At the same time, it may not be easy to improve your appearance and take care of yourself because of various aspects that may get in the way. If you are looking to take care of your oral health, you can understand how it takes great discipline every day in the Hanford, CA, area to ensure that everything is up to par.

Whether you seek to whiten teeth or need to resolve stained teeth issues, reach out to dental professionals for customized care. If you are looking for a dental team at a dental office that cares for your dental needs and your dental goals, reach out to our professionals at the dental office of Dr. Jack Nagrani today.

Ways on Dealing With Teeth Whitening Sensitivity

Tooth whitening products can give you that sparkling white smile you’ve always wanted. Modern tooth whitening products use high-quality ingredients that produce fewer side effects than the products used many years ago. However, one issue that keeps popping up when people undergo teeth whitening procedures at home or in the dentist’s office is teeth whitening sensitivity.

Teeth whitening sensitivity can be painful and uncomfortable. Fortunately, you don’t have to abandon your quest for sparkling white teeth because of tooth sensitivity. There are ways to prevent sensitive teeth from occurring after whitening procedures. If you are dealing with sensitive teeth, we also included tips to help you get rid of the discomfort and pain.

What are sensitive teeth?

A sensitive tooth is a tooth that produces a sharp pain when you take in hot or cold foods and drinks. In many cases, the pain fades out after a moment. However, there are cases where the ache can last for weeks or even months.

Suppose you regularly experience sensitivity in your teeth that lasts for an extended period. There are many causes of tooth sensitivities, and some of them may be tied to underlying medical conditions. In that case, you should make an appointment with your dentist.

Causes of teeth sensitivity

The following are some of the causes of tooth sensitivity.

• Gum disease or erosion
• Exposed tooth roots
• Thinning, wearing down, or damaged tooth enamel
• A cracked or chipped tooth 
• Dental work such as fillings
• Damaged or ill-fitting fillings 
• Pregnancy 
• Teeth whitening treatments 

Many of these causes can be managed with home remedies, but you should check with a dentist first. These causes may be symptoms of other medical conditions that require specialized treatments.

Why are teeth sensitive after whitening treatments?

The main trigger of tooth sensitivity after whitening treatment is the presence of peroxide-based ingredients in teeth whitening products. Most popular whitening products have hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide as their active ingredients.

Peroxide-based whitening products can cause tooth sensitivity. They can temporarily make a thin scrape your normal when applied in low doses, thereby exposing the underlying dentin and nerves. These ingredients damage your gum tissue and enamel when used in high doses.

Another way peroxide causes teeth sensitivity is by releasing free radicals, which cause damage to your teeth tissues. The free radicals are released when peroxide oxidizes the stains on your teeth. Peroxides in high doses can damage your enamel permanently. However, these damages are not typical. If you experience any pain while applying teeth whitening products, you should reach out to your dentist. It is better to be safe than sorry.

What can you do to reduce sensitivity before whitening treatments?

Take the following steps to minimize tooth sensitivity when applying whitening treatments.

• Consider non-peroxide-based alternatives: Whitening products are not based on peroxide ingredients. You can use them for sensitive teeth. Alternatively, you can use peroxide-based products formulated for sharp teeth. You can get these products online, but it pays to get a recommendation from your dentist.
• Use a desensitizing gel: Before whitening products on your teeth, you can apply a desensitizing gel. This is very helpful for those who want to stick with peroxide-based products. Ensure to follow the instructions and rinse off afterward.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relief medications can help you deal with the ache after the whitening treatment. However, if you keep experiencing pain, you need to switch to a non-peroxide product, use a desensitizing gel or see your dentist for a dental examination.

Tips to reduce teeth sensitivity during and after a teeth whitening procedure

These tips will help you reduce teeth sensitivity after using whitener products or getting your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office.

• Follow instructions: All whitening products come with instructions for safe application. You should not go above the dosage specified by the manufacturer or your dentist. You should also avoid using a whitening product longer than the recommended duration.
• Take breaks between treatments: if you experience tooth sensitivity while applying whitening products, take breaks and experiment with shorter application times. This can be the hack you need to minimize sensitivity in your teeth.
• Use a product with little or no peroxide: A higher dose of peroxide can give you better results, but it can also increase your risk of tooth sensitivity. You should consider a product with a low peroxide level or no peroxide at all if you are constantly dealing with pain.
• Limit food and drink intake: Reducing your intake of hot and cold drinks and foods during treatment can help reduce pain and tooth sensitivity.

Set an Appointment with Dr. Jack Nagrani Today For a Better Smile

Teeth sensitivity can be handled at home, mainly if any underlying condition does not cause it. To reduce pain, you should use a low-level peroxide whitening product and apply a desensitizing gel to minimize side effects. You can also limit your intake of hot and cold foods and drinks.

In most cases, your best bet is to arrange an appointment with your dentist for a teeth whitening producer. Although this costs more money than at-home methods, there are fewer risks of pain as the dentist knows just the right application and doses for your teeth.

If you are looking for help cleaning your teeth or minimizing yellow teeth issues, remember that Dr. Jack Nagrani and the team are here for you.

Contact us today to learn more about our process and set an appointment to visit our clinic soon. We ensure to schedule new patients while we take care of existing patients.