Teeth whitening is a great way to eliminate stains and discoloration, restore your smile, and boost your confidence; however, some patients may experience some sensitivity while whitening their teeth.
The sensitivity is usually mild and lasts only a few days, but it can be uncomfortable, and some patients may have longer-lasting sensitivity after whitening. Wondering how to stay comfortable and reduce sensitivity while teeth whitening from Palmetto Dental Associates? Here are a few top tips from our team.
1. Use the “UltraEZ” Gel Provided in your Take-Home Kit
At Palmetto Dental Associates, we send you home with a tube of anti-sensitivity gel that you can place in your custom trays and use for 15-60 minutes after whitening that will calm sensitive teeth and help decrease feelings of discomfort. Our specially-formulated whitening gel also contains Potassium Nitrate which even combats sensitivity while you are whitening!
2. Consider Switching To Sensodyne Toothpaste
Whitening-induced sensitivity happens due to fluid movement within the tooth from the oxidation process of whitening (think hydrogen peroxide bubbles). Teeth whitening does not harm your enamel. In fact, the whitening gel actually kills cavity causing bacteria, thereby making your teeth healthier.
Sensodyne and other types of anti-sensitivity toothpaste contain special ingredients that help reduce feelings of sensitivity. This may help you get relief from your sensitivity, and stay more comfortable during treatment.
In addition to using Sensodyne during and after treatment, some patients choose to switch to Sensodyne toothpaste a week or two before their teeth whitening treatment begins. This can help reduce sensitivity before it even begins!
3. Limit Your Consumption Of Extremely Hot/Cold Foods And Drinks
Really hot and cold foods and drinks tend to make sensitivity worse, so do your best to temporarily avoid things like hot coffee and tea, iced beverages, ice cream, and other foods and drinks that could bring on sensitivity.
4. Discuss Your Sensitivity With Your Dentist Before Treatment
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! If you know that you have naturally sensitive teeth, or have struggled with sensitivity in the past, let your dentist know before he or she develops your treatment plan.
For example, if Dr. Thomas or Dr. Shull knows that you have sensitive teeth, they can adjust your prescribed treatment time so that you whiten your teeth for a shorter period of time each day. This will help reduce sensitivity and keep you more comfortable during treatment.
Contact Palmetto Dental Associates For Teeth Whitening In Lexington, SC!
If you would like a brighter smile in Lexington, Irmo, or Columbia, the team at Palmetto Dental Associates is here to help. Contact us online or give us a call to schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Thomas or Dr. Shull today, and get the professional care you need for a brilliant, confident, and beautiful smile.