Does professional teeth whitening cause tooth sensitivity?

Teeth whitening is an effective treatment that can unravel a rejuvenated smile by lifting years of dental stains. One can combine the restorative dentistry therapies with teeth whitening procedure to fully restore the smile. Even though teeth whitening is a safe procedure, it can leave patients with a temporary tooth sensitivity surge after treatment.

The Professional Teeth Whitening

Typically, you can opt for a professional teeth whitening process or an at-home one. The method to whiten your teeth uses carbamide peroxide, acting as a bleach. This breaks down to hydrogen peroxide and urea. It targets the tooth’s color and safely whitens the teeth. The in-office treatments are highly advantageous as they work quickly and effectively.

Moreover, the whitening effect also lasts more than the over the counter products. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the products is more than what you would use at home. Therefore, the effect is instant and has a powerful impact. Professional teeth whitening works best for people who have receding gums and abstraction lesions.

The Prime Cause Behind Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is thought of as a possible side effect after the process of teeth whitening. It occurs due to the bleaching solution that the process makes use of to whiten the teeth. The tooth whitening kits include hydrogen peroxide, which causes teeth sensitivity for many people. Such a solution can remove minerals within the tooth enamel and cause the teeth to become temporarily porous. The tooth’s porous nature will expose the microtubules within the teeth, causing more harm and sensitivity.

Dentinal tubules are microscopic channels that lead from the teeth surface to the center of the teeth, housing the dental nerves. When these tubules expose to the outer environment, the sensitivity sees an increase. The natural teeth’ minerals replenish over a few days, and the tooth sensitivity issues resolve.

Symptoms of Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity might occur as mild or moderate. Some patients might not experience any surge in teeth sensitivity, whereas most people feel the opposite. One can feel the tooth sensitivity while breathing cold air and eating cold or hot foods and beverages. Also, sugary and acidic foods trigger tooth sensitivity.

The typical tooth sensitivity symptoms include the following:

• Impulsive shooting pain in the teeth that can extend to the roots.
• Sudden pain when you expose your teeth to temperature fluctuations.
• Pain while eating sour, acidic, and sweet foods.

However, if you feel excruciating pain, it is wise to contact an emergency dental clinic in Bangor, ME, to help you with measures to control the teeth sensitivity.

How to Alleviate the Tooth Sensitivity Issue?

Tooth sensitivity after the teeth whitening procedure is short-lived. Therefore, it resolves within a few days after the treatment. However, to alleviate the process, one can take several steps to help in the process.

• Try using sensitive formula toothpaste. Switching to such sensitive formulas will help in desensitizing the teeth and decrease the painful tooth sensitivity.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. It will gently brush on the enamel compared to the medium and hard-bristled brushes, permitting the natural minerals to rebuild within the enamel.
• Use fluoride-based products to rinse and brush. Since fluoride is an essential dental health mineral, it can help restore the minerals lost during the teeth whitening process. It closes the dentinal tubules and reduces tooth sensitivity. Therefore, ensure you use fluoride-based toothpaste and mouthwash.
• Avoid specific types of foods, including sweet, sour, and acidic ones. Such foods and beverages increase the sensitivity. Therefore, it is wise to avoid the consumption of these for a few days till your sensitivity issues stop entirely.
• Intake room temperature food and drinks after the teeth whitening process. Stick to lukewarm foods and beverages to avoid the dental pain from the sensitivity. It is best not to trigger the sensitivity by consuming such food items.

Stay Aware and Pay Attention

After getting a professional teeth whitening treatment, stay in contact with your dentist and update them about any serious issues. If your child is showing the signs of teeth sensitivity, seek emergency dental care for kids. Discuss with your dentist regarding the immediate measures. If you initially have teeth sensitivity issues, inform your dentist about the same procedure before undergoing the procedure. That way, they can deduce the best possible ways to treat you without experiencing severe sensitivity after the teeth whitening procedure.

The teeth sensitivity will wear off in a few days. In this course of time, you need to follow specific measures to keep the sensitivity in check. However, if you are a frequent teeth whitening client, it is best to take advice from your dentist regarding teeth sensitivity, preventive, and correction measures. Even if you face the slightest symptoms, it is best to consult a reputed dentist for expert insights.