5 Tips - Sensitivity & Teeth Whitening

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!

 

What is the difference between Hydrogen, Carbamide Peroxide and other Teeth Whitening Ingredients?

  Confused Much...?

 

 

We are almost certain that you have come across the fancy terms 'Hydrogen Peroxide', 'Carbamide Peroxide' and most likely a myriad of other confusing terminology when researching various teeth whitening options.

We constantly get asked what is the difference?, what do they mean? and which one should I choose? from our customers. So, we have broken down the complex chemistry, terminology and confusing terms to provide you with a simplified description and the relevance to you, a teeth whitening consumer.

HUH? What do these terms mean?

Simply put - these terms relate specifically to the active ingredient(s) found within the bleaching gel or product itself. The term peroxide actually relates directly to the process which whitens your teeth, that is, oxidation. This simply infers that as the whitening gel comes in contact with your teeth it will breaks down, releasing oxygen which penetrates the tooth's enamel, thereby, lifting surface stains and resulting in your teeth becoming "whitened". This is why you notice a bubbly sound or sensation when completing home teeth whitening treatments - believe it or not it is actually the bleach working.

SO... What is the difference between Hydrogen and Carbamide Peroxide?

There are a numerous teeth whitening products which all contain different active ingredients, however, the most common are Hyrdogen and Carbamide Peroxide. Many other companies have variations of these basic products and market their products accordingly. The active ingredient actually determines how fast and how the bleach will interact with your teeth. Some companies even include formulations to help desensitize, remineralise and strengthen your teeth whilst you whiten.

• Hydrogen Peroxide is generally stronger and is produced in lower concentrations. This type of formulation breaks down rapidly requiring less wear time but generally involves a higher degree of temporary tooth sensitivity.

• Carbamide Peroxide is longer acting and formulations are generally stronger in concentration. These types of gel are designed to be worn for longer time periods and are recommended for those concerned about post bleaching sensitivity.

A 6% hydrogen peroxide gel is equivalent to a 18% carbamide peroxide formulation i.e 1:3 ratio.

Interestingly, the ACCC through consumer law and legislation regulates teeth whitening products supplied outside the scope of dental practice to be no higher than 6% Hydrogen Peroxide and 18% Carbamide Peroxide. Unlike many of our competitors that do not abide by these rulings The House of Mouth strictly adheres to this legislation with utmost professionalism.

BUT... you've seen other ingredients?
Well you are 100% correct. There are literally 1000's of different whitening products with exclusive formulations and marketing claims. For example, below is a list of current teeth whitening products The House of Mouth Stock and their corresponding active ingredients. The key rule is that if you are sourcing a professional grade bleach (one used in dental practices) ensure it's sourced from a reputable seller and supplier who abides by ACCC legislation. Otherwise, you cannot authenticate its genuitity, inherent risks and as the term goes, "Buyer Beware!". If in doubt contact the seller and ensure they source their products from licensed dental suppliers and the product is offered for sale in private dental practices that conform to ACCC legislation.

1. Poladay - Hydrogen Peroxide
2. Polanight - Carbamide Peroxide
3. Opalescence - Carbamide Peroxide
4. DesignerWhite Touch Up - Carbamide Peroxide
5. DesignerWhite PowerGel - Carbamide Peroxide
6. DesignerWhite Advance - Calcium Peroxide
7. Colgate Optic White - Hydrogen Peroxide
   

UMM.... So Which Product Should I Choose?
As teeth whitening is so individualized it really depends on your situation and preference. Check out our 'Which Product Should I Choose' page - this provides you with all the information about making the best, informed decision when purchasing one of the above Professional, Dental Practice grade Teeth Whitening Products from us.

Any questions comment below... or Contact Us!

5 Home Teeth Whitening Tips

Teeth whitening is more affordable and accessible then ever. Almost anyone and everyone has attempted at least one form or another of Teeth Whitening in the comfort of their own home - whether it be in the form of whitening strips, thermoforming or boil and bite trays, toothpaste, rinses, online whitening gels or visiting your dentist for custom fit teeth whitening trays.

Although there are many 'Do It Yourself Teeth Whitening' options out there it is always best to ensure both the product and company you are purchasing from not only reputable but source their products from professional licensed dental suppliers. It is sometimes all to easy to get caught up in the cheap, gimmicky wording and sales jargon that many non-professional suppliers market in order to sell their cheap, fake imitation product.

 The House of Mouth has put together 5 simple, basic tips in response to some of the common questions we get asked everyday about our professional grade at home teeth whitening products. So here they are...

 

TIP ONE: Use Teeth Whitening Gel Sparingly

There is a misconception out there that you if you 'simply' fill your teeth whitening trays up with bleach your teeth will whiten better and faster. This is so far from the truth. Simply place 1-2 pen drops of bleach on each tooth indentation. This will conserve bleach, save you money and avoid soft issue irritation and sensitivity.

TIP TWO: Sensitivity

Most people experience some degree of tooth sensitivity when teeth whitening. If your teeth become overly sensitive, simply have a rest day, that is a day that you DO NOT whiten between each whitening treatment. Using sensitive toothpaste in replace of standard toothpaste when brushing and even placing a Desensitizing Agent e.g GC Tooth Mousse, Pola Soothe or Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief in your whitening trays for 30minutes before bed each night will also assist.

 

TIP THREE: Avoid High Staining Foodstuffs

A great general rule is to avoid consuming anything that would stain a white shirt whilst completing the initial phases of your whitening treatment e.g tea, coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, curries etc. Your teeth are highly porous, particularly when whitening and they will readily absorb colors which will decrease your overall whitening result but also increase the time taken to achieve your desired tooth shade.

 

TIP FOUR: Store Unused Whitening Gel in the Refrigerator

Most professional grade teeth whitening gel will last for up to about a year when stored in a cool, dark place like a refrigerator. For example Pola recommend that both our Polanight and Poladay Teeth Whitening gels are optimally stored between 2 and 25 degrees Celsius to ensure the longevity of the active ingredients.

 

TIP FIVE: Don't Whiten Too Often!

It is not recommended to bleach your teeth everyday of the week. Simply, whiten your teeth each night until you reach your desired shade then enter a top regime by bleaching your teeth 1-2 times every 4-8 weeks. This will maintain your bright, white smile whilst limiting possible side effects from bleaching too regularly.

 To read more 'Teeth Whitening Tips' visit our FAQ Page.