Learning to Manage Your Dental Problems

Two Tips For Preventing Tooth Sensitivity After A Whitening Treatment

1 October 2017 by Charlotte Beck

Although tooth whitening is generally safe, one common side effect of these treatments is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after the procedure. Tooth sensitivity is very uncomfortable and can make it difficult to eat or drink hot and cold foods for a few days or even weeks. Here are a couple of things you can do to minimize the risk of developing sensitive teeth because of the whitening treatment or reduce the effect.

Reduce Peroxide Use

The reason why tooth sensitivity occurs when you get your teeth whitened is because of the peroxide professional whitening products contain. This chemical is very effective at getting rid of stains because it penetrates underneath the tooth's surface to remove stains embedded in enamel

Unfortunately, this chemical can also end up soaking so far into the tooth that it irritates the nerves, especially if you have cracks, chips, or loose fillings. Your risk of experiencing sensitive teeth after teeth whitening treatment goes up if you do them too frequently or allow the solution to stay on your teeth for too long.

So, some ways to avoid tooth sensitivity include opting for a whitening solution with a lower percentage of peroxide (some solutions can contain up to 44 percent peroxide), reducing the frequency or length of time of treatment, or using a teeth whitening solution that doesn't contain peroxide at all.

Be aware, your teeth may not get as white as you want them. However, you can always return for another treatment and reduce teeth-staining behaviors in-between so you can obtain a better result.

Use Tooth Products for Sensitive Teeth

Another thing you can do is use tooth products designed to treat sensitive teeth. These products work by building up a barrier that reduces the impact of hot and cold temperatures on the teeth. This is a good option if your sensitivity lasts longer than a few days or if you want to take a precaution and minimize the incidence of sensitivity when you have your teeth whitened.

You can find toothpaste and mouthwash products in your local drugstore designed to treat tooth sensitivity. However, your dentist can also prescribe products that may be stronger than what you can get over-the-counter, and which may act faster and be more effective. Discuss the issue with your dentist before treatment so you have time to adequately prepare your teeth.

To learn more about reducing tooth sensitivity or to make an appointment to whiten your teeth, contact a cosmetic dentist.

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