Teeth whitening is essentially used to lighten the color of our teeth. One of the most common and incredibly uncomfortable side effects of teeth whitening is tooth sensitivity. After the tooth whitening procedure, you may experience tenderness, aching, and other unpleasant sensations sometimes. Here are few tips to handle tooth sensitivity after a teeth whitening procedure.
What is the cause of tooth sensitivity after a tooth whitening procedure?
The tooth sensitivity is most often caused due to the bleaching agents used in the tooth whitening process. The whitening solution used for whitening can remove minerals that are present within the enamel of our teeth. This causes our teeth to become porous and exposes the microtubules within the teeth. These microtubules are also known as dentinal tubules are microscopic channels that run from the outer surface of our teeth to the center of our teeth where the dental nerves are present. Dental sensitivity arises when these dentinal tubules are exposed. However, after a few days of the tooth whitening procedure, the lost minerals get restored naturally. This restoration of minerals results in resolving the tooth sensitivity in the normal course.
10 Tips to overcome tooth sensitivity after a tooth whitening procedure:
- Start brushing your teeth three times a day with sensitivity toothpaste at least two weeks prior to your tooth whitening process.
- Avoid applying tooth much pressure while brushing your teeth daily. Be very gentle while brushing your teeth.
- Dental care at home is as important as dental care at the dentist’s place. Carefully select soft-bristled toothbrushes to avoid abrasive brushing.
- Your dentist will provide you with prescription-grade sensitivity toothpaste if you have severe tooth sensitivity. This type of ultra-sensitivity can last for about two days after the tooth whitening procedure. Once the ultra-sensitivity has settled, you can continue the use of sensitivity toothpaste available in the market.
- Use warm water or water at room temperature to brush or rinse your mouth to reduce the effects of tooth sensitivity.
- Allow the sensitivity toothpastes to stay in your mouth for a few minutes before rinsing it off for the best results.
- Desensitizing gels are available to counter tooth sensitivity. Apply this gel and allow it to rest for about 20-30 minutes for the best results.
- Avoid drinking hot or cold beverages. Stick to drinking beverages that are neither hot nor cold for a few days after the tooth whitening treatment.
- Use a straw to drink beverages because it allows the beverage to flow past your teeth. By doing this the food is made to not touch the sensitive areas.
- Do not get teeth whitening treatments quite often. It is generally not recommended by dentists. It is advisable to get your tooth whitening done once in three years.