Are your teeth sensitive after teeth whitening? It’s not uncommon to experience some teeth sensitivity following a teeth whitening treatment. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help reduce and eliminate the discomfort caused by sensitive teeth. Here are 10 tips that will help you reduce sensitive teeth after whitening:

Teeth whitening is an effective way to brighten your smile and get rid of discoloration or yellowing due to aging, smoking or drinking coffee or tea. Although teeth whitening is safe, it may cause temporary tooth sensitivity, particularly if you have dental issues such as exposed nerve endings or gum recession. Here are 10 tips to reduce teeth sensitivity for those with sensitive teeth after whitening.

Tip 1: Opt for a Home Whitening Kit

Home teeth whitening kits are the best alternative for sensitive teeth after whitening. These kits use lower concentrations of whitening agents, which makes them gentler on teeth and more suitable for those with sensitive teeth. However, it’s important to follow all instructions carefully to ensure that your teeth don't become too sensitive or damaged as a result of overuse or incorrect application of the product.

Tip 2: Change Your Toothpaste

Switch from regular toothpaste to one specifically formulated for sensitive teeth. This toothpaste is designed to help soothe and protect teeth against sensitivity-related pain. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles is also important; always brush your teeth gently.

Tip 3: Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

Avoid hot or cold beverages, acidic foods such as citrus fruits, hard or chewy foods, and sugary treats, as they can cause teeth sensitivity. If you must eat or drink any of these items, rinse your mouth with water afterward to help reduce sensitivity.

Tip 4: Eat More Dairy Products

Eating more dairy products like cheese has been linked to increased teeth whitening success and fewer teeth sensitivities. This is because the calcium in cheese helps strengthen teeth enamel, reducing pain caused by sensitive teeth after bleaching. Additionally, eating foods high in calcium and phosphates can help teeth remain healthy.

Tip 5: Avoid Smoking

Smoking is one of the leading causes of teeth discoloration, which leads many to seek teeth whitening treatments. However, tobacco after teeth whitening can increase teeth sensitivity and even cause further teeth staining. To reduce sensitive teeth after whitening, it’s best to avoid smoking altogether or at least not smoke for a few days following the treatment.

Tip 6: Use Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride treatments can help protect teeth against sensitivity caused by bleaching products. After teeth whitening, consider getting a fluoride treatment from your dentist or using over-the-counter fluoride toothpaste. This will help strengthen teeth enamel and reduce teeth sensitivity.

Tip 7: Consider a Desensitizing Toothpaste

Desensitizing toothpaste is designed to block the pathways of teeth sensitive to sweet, cold, or hot temperatures. It infuses teeth with potassium nitrate, which helps reduce teeth sensitivity after whitening.

Tip 8: Use an Antimicrobial Rinse

An antimicrobial rinse can help reduce bacteria in your mouth that can cause inflammation and further teeth sensitivity after bleaching. Using this type of rinse regularly can also help protect against gum disease and bad breath.

Tip 9: Avoid Over-Bleaching

If you are using at-home teeth whitening kits, it's important to follow the instructions carefully and not exceed the recommended number of treatments. Over-bleaching teeth can lead to tooth sensitivity and other complications.

Tip 10: See Your Dentist

If you continue to experience teeth sensitivity after whitening, you should see a dentist for professional teeth whitening treatment. Your dentist can determine the cause of teeth sensitivity and recommend the best course of action for reducing teeth sensitivity.

Conclusion

Sensitive teeth after teeth whitening can be an uncomfortable experience, but there are ways to reduce teeth sensitivity and make the process more comfortable. These 10 tips can help protect teeth against teeth sensitivity and ensure teeth whitening treatments are successful.

FAQs

What is the best way to reduce teeth sensitivity after teeth whitening?

The best way to reduce teeth sensitivity after whitening is to follow the instructions carefully and use products specifically designed for sensitive teeth. It’s also important to avoid certain foods and drinks, use teeth-whitening products correctly, get fluoride treatments, and consider a desensitizing toothpaste.

How often should teeth be whitened?

Teeth whitening should only be done as recommended by your dentist or teeth whitening product instructions. It is generally recommended to wait at least six months between teeth whitening treatments, but this may vary depending on the product used and your teeth' sensitivity.

Are there any side effects to teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening can cause teeth sensitivity in some people, but this usually subsides after a few days. Other possible side effects include gum irritation, tooth pain, teeth bleaching, and teeth discoloration. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible.

September 14, 2023
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