5 Tips - Sensitivity & Teeth Whitening
At some point, many of us can relate to experiencing tooth sensitivity throughout our lives. For some it’s an ongoing concern, whilst others may describe it as an inconsistent, sporadic or spontaneous event. Unfortunately, due to various dietary, lifestyle, poor oral hygiene habits and other personal choices tooth sensitivity is rapidly becoming a key issue in the dental world.
What is Tooth Sensitivity?
"Usually
a short or sharp sensation when your teeth are exposed to a hot or
cold stimulus such as hot or cold food and drinks"
Why are my Teeth Sensitive during Teeth Whitening?
Whether it be take
home whitening or a professional in chair teeth whitening treatment your teeth
porosities become opened or exposed. This is not only a direct result of the active
ingredients within the whitening product, but also a chemical reaction, known
as oxidation, which occurs during the whitening process itself. Sound odd? Well,
don’t be overly concerned as this process is required for your enamel to
successfully ‘absorb’ the whitening product and provide you with a longer
lasting, brighter and whiter smile.
The upside, is
sensitivity related to teeth whitening generally is temporary and usually lasts
no longer than 24-48hrs after the last whitening treatment. This is due to the
fact that the oxidative process has ceased and your tooth porosities have now
closed.
5 Tips – Controlling Teeth Whitening Sensitivity?
TIP ONE: Use a Sensitive Toothpaste
For
best results, commence using a Sensitive Toothpaste at least 7-14 days prior to
commencing or undergoing teeth whitening treatment(s). Colgate Sensitive ProRelief or Sensodyne are the most popular products currently on the market.
TIP TWO: Use a Tooth Desensitiser
Sensitive toothpaste not cutting it? Utilise a professional and
specially formulated Tooth Desensitising Product. These products can be smeared
onto your teeth and gums (or placed in your whitening trays) before and after whitening
treatments. Many contain a variety of active ingredients which assist in cavity
prevention, tooth remineralisation and desensitisation all within the same
product. The two most popular products sold by Dentists are GC Toothmousse andPola Soothe.
TIP THREE: Have a rest day
Listen
to your teeth! As weird as it sounds, if your teeth are overly sensitive after
whitening them, take a break! Allow a ‘rest day’ where you DO NOT whiten your
teeth. This simply gives your teeth a ‘break’. For example, if you were to
commence whitening on a Monday, DO NOT whiten Tuesday but recommence on
Wednesday.
TIP FOUR: Avoid Cold Stimulus
For at
least the first 48hrs after any teeth whitening treatment and refrain from
consuming cold stimuli which will exacerbate sensitivity issues i.e. ice cream,
cold drinks and biting into ice etc.
TIP FIVE: Try a lower concentration
whitening product
If you
are still noticing your teeth are tender after attempting Tips 1-4 try a lower
strength bleaching product. It may take a little longer to achieve your desired
tooth colour but will minimise any sensitivity issues. Also, attempt using a
Carbamide Peroxide based whitening gel as Opposed to Hydrogen Peroxide – many of
these are specifically designed for those concerned about sensitivity during teeth
whitening. One of the most popular and trusted products worldwide is Polanight.
Have
a question? – Comment Below
Happy Teeth Whitening!
