Do you feel self-conscious about the shade of your smile? If your teeth are tinted more yellow or brown than pearly white, you might feel anxious about being judged for your looks and remain tight-lipped or avoid socializing with others.
There are many ways to potentially brighten your grin, but you could develop sensitivity if your turn to over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments. Continue reading to learn why this happens and how your dentist can help you safely upgrade your appearance!
Why Does Teeth Whitening Sometimes Cause Sensitivity?
Most teeth whiteners rely on bleaches, like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, to break down surface stains. These ingredients undergo a chemical reaction when they come into contact with your saliva; they oxidize and break down darkly toned molecules. The particles’ shrunken size lowers the pigment concentration to reduce discoloration in your enamel.
Unfortunately, some people are sensitive to peroxide and develop a mild to moderate ache or sensitivity. It’s also possible that the chemical has removed tiny amounts of mineral from your enamel. Once this protective outer layer thins, external stimuli are more likely to affect the tender nerves inside your teeth to cause discomfort.
However, you might also feel sore if you have an underlying oral issue, like cavities or gum disease, which can be painfully triggered by the bleach.
How Do I Know if I Have Sensitivity from Teeth Whitening?
If you’ve noticed an odd tingling or throbbing since whitening your teeth, you might be dealing with sensitivity due to your treatment. This condition often causes a short burst of pain when you’re exposed to:
- Air as you inhale and exhale.
- Super hot or cold foods or drinks.
- Overly sweet, sour, or acidic foods that trigger aches.
- Abrasion from brushing your teeth too aggressively.
How Can I Avoid Sensitivity from Teeth Whitening?
Visiting your dentist for professional whitening services is one easy way to prevent dental sensitivity from brightening your grin. First, they’ll examine your mouth to ensure that no pre-existing issues, like tooth decay or periodontal problems, interfere with your results. This also helps avoid the painful reaction of unknowingly placing bleach over hidden cavities.
Plus, your provider utilizes ultra-concentrated bleaches that are designed to reduce the likelihood of sensitivity and custom-fitted trays for accurate application that avoids putting any product on your tender connective tissues. If you’re on a budget and can only afford store-bought products, you can reduce sensitivity by choosing options with lower peroxide levels (about 5 to six percent) and shorter application times.
Then, after treatment, watching what you eat is a great way to prevent potential adverse reactions. Steer clear of common culprits known to cause problems so you can enjoy your recently upgraded grin!
About the Practice
At Denton Dental Center, you and your family benefit from two providers eager to help you build and maintain your most beautiful, healthiest smiles. Dr. Todd Balington is a skilled general dentist with almost 20 years of experience, and Dr. Naveen Karim is a dedicated periodontist who speaks five languages. They collaborate cohesively to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including teeth whitening, conveniently under one roof. They take the time to get to know your unique goals and concerns, then combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to meet them. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (940) 383-3300.