You may have recently bought some over-the-counter teeth whitening products and have been using them consistently. Your teeth may now be a couple of shades brighter, but what if they feel a bit sensitive now? Is it worth the results? Thankfully, there are things you can do to combat this side effect! Keep reading to learn some helpful tips and how professional treatments leave you more comfortable.
How Can I Lessen Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening?
In short, the reason you are experiencing some sensitivity is that your enamel was weakened while you were whitening your teeth. This exposed the dentin underneath, which has tiny channels that lead down to the tooth’s nerve. The good news is that there are some things you can do, such as:
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste. This handy product has special ingredients that help rebuild your enamel or block the channels that cause any sensitivity. After using it consistently, you may notice that it has gone away!
- Take breaks from your whitening products to help give your teeth a chance to recover. Continuing with them can lead to the issue getting worse and more uncomfortable for you.
- Limit hot, cold, sugary, and acidic foods, since they can trigger sensitivity. Instead, take these items off your plate for the time being and enjoy other things that don’t cause any problems.
Why You Should Choose Professional Treatments
If you often deal with this discomfort after using a store-bought product, then you may want to consider going to your dentist instead. A professional treatment is much more effective and safer because of the tools your dentist has access to. This service uses a highly concentrated bleaching gel that is leagues better than what’s in your local department store.
How Can My Dentist Whiten My Teeth?
Your dentist can do the service in-office, where they will first place a protective barrier over your gums and tongue. Afterward, the bleaching gel will be applied to your teeth, and a special light will be shone to activate it. You will be left to relax for a bit, and your dentist will come back occasionally to check the health of your enamel. After about an hour, you will get results that are noticeable and more comfortable!
However, if a take-home kit is more convenient for you, then your dentist can set you up with one! For this version, you will be given custom trays and the bleaching solution that you will wear for a specified amount of time for a couple of weeks. By the end, you will have similar results as an in-office visit!
Calling your dentist to get the whiter smile that you dream of may be your best choice. You are less likely to end up with any sensitivity, but if you tried an over-the-counter kit that left you in discomfort, try out one of the tips above! You deserve to enjoy your results after all.
About the Author
Dr. Nancy Cabansag earned her dental degree from the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. With over 20 years of experience, she is happy to help the Arlington community get more confident grins with the help of teeth whitening. Dr. Cabansag offers both an in-office service and a take-home kit, so you can get reliable results that don’t cause any discomfort. If you have stains on your teeth you want to fix, schedule an appointment or call her office at (817) 508-9881.