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.

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Happy Teeth Whitening!