A nice smile can make you feel better about your self-esteem, but getting those beautiful whites can be painful, especially if you have sensitive teeth. Even though teeth-whitening methods work, they can sometimes make your teeth sensitive for a short time.
You can get a beautiful smile without the pain, though, if you know what to do and get help from a trained professional, like those who offer teeth bleaching San Diego.
Understand the root of sensitivity.
When the dentin, the layer below the hard enamel, is revealed, it makes the tooth sensitive. There are tiny tubes in dentin that connect directly to the nerves inside the tooth.
If these tubules are uncovered, they can feel hot, cold, acidic, or sweet things and respond with pain that is sharp and striking. Tooth whitening products, especially those with higher amounts of brightening agents, can briefly hurt the dentin, which can make it more sensitive.
Prepare for a pain-free whitening experience.
Talking to your doctor is important before you start any teeth-whitening process. They can check your oral health, find any underlying problems that might be making your teeth sensitive, and suggest the best way to whiten your teeth for your specific needs.
Harness the power of desensitizing toothpaste.
Toothpaste that calms sensitive teeth is a useful tool for preventing sensitivity caused by teeth cleaning. Most of the time, these toothpastes have potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride in them. These chemicals work by stopping the open tubules in the dentin.
This stops nerves from sending pain messages. For the best results, you should start using a desensitizing toothbrush a couple of weeks before your whitening treatment and keep doing so throughout the process.
Gentle whitening with strips is a convenient option.
Whitening strips are easy to use at home and are good for people who want to take things slowly. Look for strips that are made especially for sensitive teeth.
These strips usually have smaller amounts of bleaching agents, which makes them less likely to irritate the skin. Even though they might take longer to work, they are a better option for people with sensitive teeth because they are softer.
Tray-based whitening can offer custom comfort.
Professional teeth whitening with trays that fit your teeth perfectly is a more personalized option.
Your dentist will make trays that fit your teeth perfectly and make sure that the whitening gel covers all of them evenly while avoiding touching your gums, which can be painful. This method gives you more power and can be changed to fit your own level of awareness.
Soothing techniques to minimize the discomfort.
- Temperature control: High or low temperatures can make people more sensitive. If you want whiter teeth, brush your teeth with cool water and stay away from drinks that are too hot or too cold during the process.
- Concerns about diet: If your teeth are already sensitive, do not eat or drink too many acidic or sugary things. Drink water and eat fruits and veggies that are less acidic.
- Gentle brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush slowly to protect the gums and dentin.
- Strategic breaks: If the lightening process hurts a lot, stop for a day or two. Once the soreness goes away, you can start treatment again.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter pain medicines can help with light to moderate pain caused by teeth whitening for a short time. But before taking any medicine, it is always best to talk to your doctor or pharmacy.
Seek professional guidance.
If you have extreme or long-lasting pain, you should see a dentist right away. They can look at your case, figure out what is causing it, and suggest the best way to treat it, such as with fluoride treatments or numbing methods.
Understanding what causes discomfort and taking preventative steps can help you have a more comfortable and successful teeth-whitening experience.