Glow Without the Sting: How to Avoid Teeth Whitening Sensitivity

When it comes to getting a bright smile, you may use whitening products to get you to your aesthetic goals. However, if you’ve been using them for a while, do you notice your teeth are now sensitive? It can be quite uncomfortable to deal with, but it may also make it harder for you to get your desired results. Here’s why this happens, what you can do about it, and how you can avoid it while getting to a bright grin.

Why Do I Feel Sensitive After Whitening?

Teeth whitening works because it uses a bleaching agent. It will penetrate your enamel and break down dark particles on and within it. However, it can also erode this outer layer when it’s used too frequently.

The sensitive dentin underneath will be exposed, and it has channels that go down the nerve, so anything hot or cold can trigger discomfort. When you use store-bought products, it’s easy to mis- and overuse them, increasing your risk of this complication.

How Can I Reduce the Sensitivity I Feel?

While you may develop sensitivity after whitening, there are some ways you can lessen it. These are a couple of tips you can try to get relief:

• Use desensitizing toothpastes as they have special ingredients that remineralize your enamel and block the exposed channels. Brushing with them may help you get rid of the discomfort over time.
• Limit hot, cold, acidic, and overly sweet foods for the time being. These items often trigger the tooth’s nerve, so adjust your diet for now.
• Stop whitening. Your smile needs to recover, so take a break from using these products, or you may worsen the problem.

Is There a Way to Whiten My Teeth Without Sensitivity?

If you tend to feel sensitive after you use store-bought items, you may be intrigued to hear that there is a more reliable and safer option available. That is a professional whitening treatment from your dentist. They have the training and expertise to ensure your oral health is in great shape and stays that way while you get the brighter smile you want.

You may be able to get this service in-office, where your provider will apply a high-quality bleaching agent on your teeth. It’ll sit on them, and they will check back to make sure your enamel stays strong. After about an hour, you can leave with up to an eight-shade difference.

A take-home kit may be more convenient, but your dentist offers this as well. While it’s a bit slower, it can get you to the same results as an in-office visit in about two weeks of consistent use. However, this differs from things in store as you use professional-grade bleaching gel on customized trays. That way, you avoid the product getting on your gums and prevent irritation.

Regardless, both of these options take your oral health into account. Your provider will work to ensure you can get the noticeable results you love without sensitivity, so you can show them off confidently.

About the Author

Dr. Ed Hajdari has over two decades of experience, which he uses to give the Salinas community the high-quality care they deserve. He is happy to help you transform your smile with reliable treatments like professional whitening. Dr. Hajdari will work to ensure you don’t experience discomfort afterward so you can feel your best after your visit. If you want to transform your teeth, schedule an appointment or call his office at (831) 422-7838.