Helping with Sensitivity Teeth after Teeth Whitening

You’ve made an easy decision to embark on an easy process to improve your smile and put some value back into that unique asset of yours. But you’ve heard that one of the risks might be sensitivity with your teeth after they are whitened. Let’s address this very small risk prior to you going through the process.

The Factors

What causes your teeth to be sensitive to hot or cold? Or to be sensitive to sweet or acidic foods? How about that breath of cold air in the morning when you first step outside. Sensitivity can come and go with your teeth with having nothing to do with teeth whitening. The sensitivity can be caused by the natural thinning of the tooth enamel, or the recession of your gums exposing underlying dentin, the inner surface of the tooth. If your teeth are extremely sensitive you should consult with a dentist prior to considering teeth whitening. There are different agents that can be used with different results that could affect whether your teeth become more sensitive.

The Numbers

Research says that 78% of those that have chosen an external tooth bleach can have increased tooth sensitivity. So, depending on where you are starting on any discomfort meter may determine the best method to use. Even though there are numerous products on the market such as toothpastes, strips and mouth rinses, the American Dental Association says only two methods can achieve real teeth whitening. Those would be bleaching products and non-bleaching products. A bleaching agent can change the natural color of the tooth and remove deep stains. They will remove both extrinsic stains on the surface and intrinsic, deeper stains. But non-bleaching products can remove those external stains only. A dental professional can help you make that decision prior to starting to keep your sensitivity in check.

Nothing is forever

Discomfort or pain is very subjective, relatively different with each of us. OH, much like our smiles. Usually the sensitivity encountered during the whitening process will subside after the improvement has been completed. If you have deep stains, and it takes more bleach to accomplish your attainable goal, your teeth sensitivity will increase more than someone that was just correcting minor stains. The second small risk in addition to the sensitivity is the result on your gums. The strength of the product used, the duration over when it was applied, can irritate your gums, making them sensitive as well.

Make a Dental Visit

Whether it is a product you want to try at home because you have decided to make this minimal investment to improve your smile, a visit to your dentist is very beneficial. Your dentist can evaluate your enamel with a simple touch and air test to determine which type of whitening treatment that would be best for you. In closing, know going in with eyes wide open that your teeth are technically alive, with nerves, and that they most likely will be more sensitive during and right after the teeth whitening procedure.

Ready to start your journey to a beautiful new smile with Professional Teeth Whitening? Contact Iowa Dental Group Today!