Do you experience teeth sensitivity after whitening?
Although teeth whitening procedures can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile, it is pretty common to experience slight discomfort after the procedure. But the good news is: the teeth sensitivity after whitening is only temporary. If you want to get rid of teeth sensitivity, carry on reading this blog. We will mention the possible causes and solutions for this dental concern.
Why Do My Teeth Hurt After Whitening?
It is not uncommon to experience slight discomfort or sensitivity after you get the whitening procedure done. But what exactly is increasing teeth sensitivity? The whitening gels used during the treatment make your dental enamel permeable for a short time, which exposes the dentin layer. Since teeth nerves are present in the dentin layer, you may experience increased sensitivity after the procedure.
Bleaching gels, too, cause irritation and sensitivity after teeth whitening, especially if your gums come in contact with them. Other than this, if you use whitening trays, they might exert force on your teeth, which increases sensitivity for a while.
In most cases, it is the chemicals and bleaching agents used during teeth whitening procedures that can lead to pain. However, you can rest assured that the sensitivity is only temporary. You can expect to experience sensitivity for two days. Contact your dentist right away if the sensitivity does not go away or you experience extreme discomfort.
Tips to Prevent Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening
Although teeth whitening does not cause permanent sensitivity, it might be hard to endure for some individuals. Hence, here are a few tips on how to help teeth sensitivity after whitening:
1. No Hot & Cold Triggers
When your teeth are sensitive, exposure to foods or beverages with extreme temperatures can trigger the issue even more. This is especially true for the first few days after the treatment. Therefore, ensure that your teeth do not come in contact with anything too hot or cold during this period. You can opt for room-temperature foods instead.
2. Say Goodbye to Acidic Foods & Drinks
Just like extreme temperatures, acidic foods, and drinks can also irritate your mouth. Hence, avoid sods, citrus fruits, and other acidic items to reduce teeth sensitivity after teeth whitening.
3. Brush With a Desensitizing Toothpaste
You can make a lot of difference by using a desensitizing toothpaste or gel for the first couple of days after the teeth whitening treatment. This way, you can manage teeth sensitivity and reduce discomfort. You can consult our dentist for a recommendation on which toothpaste or gel to use.
4. Practice Gentle Brushing
It is of utmost importance to use a proper and gentle technique to brush your teeth in general, but even more so after a dental procedure. Hence, brush your teeth in a gentle manner to alleviate sensitivity after whitening.
5. Introduce Fluoride Products in Your Routine
Fluoride is essential for strengthening and improving the health of your teeth. After a whitening procedure, though, fluoride can make a remarkable difference by remineralizing your teeth. As a result, the pain signals to your oral nerved will be blocked, decreasing your discomfort.
6. Use a Straw
Believe it or not, using a straw can be pretty helpful as well. By preventing contact between the liquid and your teeth, you can minimize sensitivity after whitening.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening can brighten your smile and boost your self-confidence. However, you may experience sensitivity after whitening for two days. Worry not, though, as you can remedy the pain and minimize the symptoms by using the handy tips we have mentioned.
At Champions Dental, our dental procedures, including teeth whitening, are unmatched since we work with dedication and honesty. So, wait no more! Schedule an appointment at (281) 866-0442 or visit our team at 13455 Cutten Rd. Suite 2G, Houston, TX 77069.