Do you have dull, stained, or discolored teeth? Are you considering professional whitening but hesitant to act over fears of tooth sensitivity? You’re not alone. In fact, a 2002 study found that approximately 54 percent of patients who underwent teeth whitening experienced at least mild sensitivity following the procedure. The good news is that tooth sensitivity from whitening treatments is not only temporary, but there are also steps you can take to reduce it. Here’s why it happens, and what you can do to avoid it.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
Sensitivity following teeth whitening treatment is caused by a slight loss in microscopic minerals in your tooth enamel during the procedure. This demineralization makes the teeth more porous, exposing dentinal tubules known as dentin. These dentin tubules travel from the surface of the teeth to their center where they meet up with nerves that allow them to feel sensations, and when demineralization occurs, causes them to become very sensitive.
How Long Will Tooth Sensitivity Last?
While tooth sensitivity can be uncomfortable, the good news is that when it occurs after professional whitening it is usually temporary. In fact, it usually goes away on its own within a few days (but could take up to a week or two). There are many factors that could affect how long it lasts, including the concentration of active ingredients in your treatment, the amount of time your teeth were exposed to them, and the thickness of your tooth enamel.
Can I Treat Tooth Sensitivity?
Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce tooth sensitivity. Because it is caused by a depletion of key minerals, one of the best ways to get teeth to feel better is to restore those lost minerals. You can do this by using a sensitive toothpaste, or by speaking to your dentist about getting a desensitizing treatment or varnish in-office.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?
While there is no way to guarantee that you will never experience tooth sensitivity following whitening treatment, there are several things you can do to lower your risk, including:
- Reducing the frequency of your whitening treatments by choosing professional whitening which can lift discoloration in one treatment instead of many over time.
- Using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth before and after treatment.
- Avoiding extreme temperatures such as hot or cold foods for several days after your procedure.
- Taking a break from sweet, sour, and acidic foods and beverages for several days post-treatment.
Other Causes of Sensitivity from Teeth Whitening
In addition to demineralization, there are a few other things that could cause sensitivity after your whitening treatment:
- Gum irritation or injury from whitening agents.
- Contact with tooth roots due to receding gums.
Unfortunately, these types of injuries can be quite common with over-the-counter whitening kits because many consumers do not know how to properly apply whitening agents and can easily get them on the gums if not careful. Furthermore, they may not realize that they have enough gum recession to be at risk for sensitivity if they choose to whiten their teeth without the guidance of a skilled dentist. Other injuries can occur from using at-home whitening products for longer than recommended or more frequently than recommended.
If you’re looking for a safe and effective solution to discolored teeth, professional whitening is an easy, affordable option that yields noticeable results in a fraction of the time that over-the-counter products can take. Under the careful supervision of your dentist, you can get the gleaming white smile you desire and reduce your risk of experiencing uncomfortable tooth sensitivity after treatment.
About Our Practice
At Kemper Meadow Family Dentistry, your comfort is key. Whether you’re here for a cleaning, an extraction, or a professional whitening treatment, we strive to make you feel right at home. Our compassionate team of dentists and dental professionals is proud to provide patients of all ages with a variety of oral health options to help keep them smiling, all in a safe and friendly environment.
To schedule your appointment for teeth whitening, please visit our website or call us at 513-648-9900.