How To: Avoid Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening

Are stubborn stains plaguing your smile? Do you often refrain from smiling because of dental discoloration? There is a solution: professional teeth whitening! This personalized cosmetic dentistry service can effectively blast away surface stains, revealing a bright, white, and beautiful smile. However, many patients are worried about tooth sensitivity following their treatment. If this sounds all too familiar, then keep reading to learn about the causes and how to prevent it.

What Can Cause Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?

It’s true: dental sensitivity is a possible side effect of teeth whitening. At the same time, there are other factors to consider, like recent dental treatment and thin enamel. As a result, the brightening agent can lead to sensitivity stemming from cold or hot beverages, acidic foods, and even brushing your teeth. If you are prone to gum or tooth sensitivity, it’s a good idea to speak directly with your cosmetic dentist.

Why Professional Teeth Whitening Is Ideal

While over-the-counter whitening products are convenient, they aren’t ideal, especially if you struggle with tooth sensitivity. That’s because the one-size-fits-all materials lead to lackluster results and can damage your teeth if used incorrectly. Furthermore, store-bought kits don’t consider important factors that could lead to sensitivity, like existing tooth decay. Therefore, it’s best to stick with the professionals. With a skilled cosmetic dentist supervising your treatment, the formulation, dosage, and concentration can be tailored to you based on factors like your dental history and smile goals. In short, you can achieve the bright smile you desire and decrease or eliminate the negative side effects.

6 Tips for Preventing Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be extremely uncomfortable. Don’t worry – there are a few measures you can take to help avoid it. Here are some options you should talk to your cosmetic dentist about:

• Using a lower concentration of the brightening
  agent.
• Spacing out your whitening applications.
• Applying a desensitizing varnish.
• Using gels and toothpastes designed for patients
  with tooth sensitivity.
• Avoiding foods and beverages that cause
  sensitivity

Even slight discoloration can make confidently smiling feel impossible. Luckily, stains from coffee, dark-colored foods, and even certain medications can be addressed with a professional teeth whitening treatment. Plus, with a skilled cosmetic dentist in your corner, you’re less likely to have unpleasant post-treatment sensitivity either! So, don’t wait any longer – schedule your initial consultation today!

About the Author

Dr. Nicholas Mueller (just call him Dr. Nick!) earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota and his dental doctorate at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He is a current, active member of the American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, Wisconsin Dental Association, and the International Association of Orthodontics. To schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry at Shorewood Family Dentistry, visit our website or call us today at 414-332-8150.