How To Help Sensitive Teeth After Whitening?| Falcon Dental Care

Do you have sensitive teeth after whitening? You’re not alone.  In 2020, 37 million Americans used a form of teeth whitening and spent over 11 billion dollars to get pearly white teeth. Teeth whitening can be as simple as buying a $10 toothpaste or as complex as a dental procedure performed over a few sessions. Whichever process you decide to go with, it is vital to understand the prep work and the after-effects of whitening your teeth. 

Prep for Best Results

Before having your teeth whitened, consult your dentist to determine which process will work best for you and your teeth. Those patients who have naturally dark teeth or have intrinsic, or deep, staining might not benefit from the over the counter products found in stores. Those products usually contain only about 7% of the actual bleaching agent (hydrogen or carbamide peroxide), while an in-office procedure can contain close to 50% of the bleaching agent.

Your dentist will most likely gauge your current tooth sensitivity, determine the likelihood of you having sensitive teeth after whitening and recommend that you use a toothpaste geared towards sensitivity about a week before whitening your teeth. Knowing what process will work for you will help you save time, money, and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. 

Why Teeth Are Sensitive Teeth After Whitening

It is estimated that 78% of people who had their teeth whitened experience sensitive teeth. The sensitivity is caused by the percentage of bleaching agents used during the process. The peroxide-based agents go beyond the surface and enamel of teeth to reach the deep set-in stains. As these agents penetrate the tooth, it reaches the soft layer of dentin and can irritate the nerves in the tooth’s center. About 40% of people reported gum sensitivity as well.

Another critical factor that leads to sensitive teeth after whitening and gum sensitivity is the length of time the product is left on the teeth. This is primarily for those who use at-home whitening kits. Do not leave the product on longer than recommended. Fortunately, this sensitivity is temporary and will last only about a week after your treatment.  

Reduce Sensitivity and Pain

Everyone will experience tooth sensitivity differently. Some will experience a dull ache, while others will have a sharp pain while drinking or eating. Over the counter pain medication like ibuprofen or Tylenol can help, but there are other ways to control sensitivity.

Here is what you should avoid after your teeth whitening process to reduce sensitivity:

• Very hot or cold foods and drinks
• Ice, ice cream, or anything frozen
• Acidic food and drinks
• Tobacco products: cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco

Here are some tips to keep your smile bright and prevent further sensitivity after treatment: 

• Brush your teeth with a soft bristle brush and lukewarm water. 
• Swish the toothpaste around in your mouth longer than you usually would to help the fluoride and ingredients strengthen your teeth. 
• Use a toothpaste geared toward sensitivity for at least a week after treatment.
• Drink through a straw to help eliminate cold or hot drinks from hitting your teeth directly.
• Choose foods and drinks that will not easily stain your teeth. Read our article on “What to eat after teeth whitening” for more details. 

Ready to Whiten

Now that you know the possible effects and how to prevent them when you get your teeth whitened, it is now up to you to decide which treatment is best for you. Always consult your dentist before trying an at-home kit to confirm that it is a safe and correct product to use on your teeth. If you live in the Falcon Colorado area, the Falcon Dental Clinic professionals can assist you with all your smile needs. Falcon’s dental reviews show that they offer excellent service, quality products, and expert procedures. The knowledgeable staff can guide you in the best direction to get the smile you’ve always wanted.