Teeth whitening adds a boost to your confidence and smile. For some though, the entire process can be an uncomfortable one if you have sensitive teeth. There a few things you should know about teeth whitening before your dentist office visit. Here in this article we’ll discuss some of these factors.
What is Teeth Whitening related Sensitivity
Sensitive teeth are a very common problem those who experience this may find that they are also sensitive to teeth whitening process. The whitening agent is the issue here, it is the whitening agent coming in contact with the teeth that causes the discomfort.
Don’t allow the sensitivity, discomfort and/or painful sensation can definitely be managed by your practitioner.
What Makes Teeth Sensitive to Whitening?
It’s easy to tell if you have sensitive teeth. A simple sip of a cold beverage or ice cream will cause an intense sensation that can be felt throughout the whole mouth. The whole mouth and face may experience pain because it is a reaction to the dental nerves being exposed to the hot or cold substance due to enamel erosion. This can feel like an attack on the exposed nerve endings.
In the case of whitening teeth sensation, peroxide is one of the main chemicals that teeth are sensitive to.
How to Prevent Sensitive Teeth During Whitening?
If the issue of teeth sensitivity is ignored, or not addresses before the procedure pain may follow. This is why it is important to you to make your dentist aware of your sensitivity during your initial examination. Make sure you follow these easy tips to maintain your oral health and prevent worsening your sensitivity issue.
Do not over-whiten
Excess in anything is considered not good. The same is true when it comes to too much whitening. Whitening the teeth too often will damage the tooth enamel instead of brightening the smile.
Find a dentist whom you trust to properly administer the application of teeth whitening. If you need to pick a dentist in Uptown Charlotte NC then Dr. Khalil Mjahed is the best option. Choosing an experienced clinician, like Dr. Mjahed will help you ensure that further damage is prevented while the optimum whitening is the result.
Make sure you use a low per-oxide product
When using an at-home whitening treatment kit, understand that these kits use peroxide for a better result. However, too much peroxide can cause tooth decay and gum recession. Peroxide has a deteriorating effect on the layer of enamels. To save your teeth, pick a whitening kit, toothpaste or product that contains 6 to 10% peroxide and no more.
Make the whitening sessions short
Do you use the whitening gels for an extended period for more brightness? If so, then you need to understand that too much enamel exposure to gels is damaging. Active chemicals in the whitening gels are good enough to whiten your teeth in a just few minutes. Longer exposure isn’t necessary and these chemicals can cause damage. Try to make the teeth whitening sessions short to prevent sensitive teeth during whitening at home.
Use soft bristle toothbrush
Soft bristle toothbrushes are gentle on your enamels and any exposed dentin. They will help to relieve your pain and sensitive teeth symptoms. If you choose a desensitizing toothpaste as well you should be good to go. A soft-bristled toothbrush is also gentle to your gum. Pick the best of the market to prevent gum disease and save the gum line.
Cut down on cold drinks/foods
Limiting your cold beverage consumption and ice creams will be one of the best ways to cure sensitive teeth issues. For most people cold beverages and ice creams are the biggest stimulators.