What to Know About the Relationship Between Teeth Whitening and Sensitivity

If you’d like your smile to be brighter, you’ve probably looked into teeth whitening treatments. That means you know there’s a variety of options out there – and also that teeth whitening is often mentioned in the same breath as teeth sensitivity.

Is that something you need to worry about if you’re considering whitening treatments? Maybe; after all, every dental procedure entails at least a little bit of risk. But there’s no guarantee that whitening will result in sensitivity, and even if it does, you have plenty of opportunities to handle it, or prevent it altogether.

Whitening Options

In order to make an informed decision about the kind of whitening treatment that’s right for you, it’s important to understand the options that are out there. Though there are a few homeopathic suggestions out there, including fruit scrubs and activated charcoal, most whitening treatments come in three distinct categories:

• Toothpastes: The ingredients in whitening toothpastes are usually fairly mild, with fewer ingredients than the alternatives. Most of them contain hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide or a mild abrasive, making them suitable for removing stains but not necessarily for turning all the teeth into a brighter shade of white.
• Home whitening kits: Available for purchase at retail stores and in dental offices, whitening kits are usually formulated with peroxide, which whitens the tooth by getting beneath its surface. Application systems include brushes, rinses, strips and trays.
• In-office whitening treatments: Designed to be applied in your dentist’s office, these treatments contain more peroxide than do over-the-counter alternatives. As a result, they work more quickly than their competitors.

Be Prepared

Even if you have your eyes on an over-the-counter treatment, it’s worth your time to talk to your dentist about your plans. They can make a recommendation based on their knowledge of your dental health, and can also check your teeth to make sure you’re not especially susceptible to whitening-related sensitivity. You’ll also want to make sure to maintain your normal good oral hygiene habits – brushing twice daily, flossing, scheduling biannual dental cleanings – to maximize the odds of a successful, comfortable treatment.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

At one time, teeth whitening products were made with harsh chemicals, which often damaged the teeth and caused discomfort. These days, whitening treatment ingredients are milder, but sensitivity hasn’t been engineered out just yet.

Whitening treatments may lead to sensitivity when they remove minerals from the teeth’s enamel, which exposes the dentin. Dentin surrounds the pulp of your teeth, and the pulp is where all the nerves are – so the closer you get to it, the more potential there is for irritation. Fortunately, those minerals are restored automatically, so whitening-related tooth sensitivity doesn’t last; usually, it only sticks around for a day or two.

Additional Concerns to Keep in Mind

Treatment products may also irritate the gums or, if used to excess, damage the enamel. Whether that happens with any given individual depends on the whitening product’s formulation, dosage and concentration, as well as their pre-existing oral health.

Is Teeth Whitening the Culprit?

You may notice tooth sensitivity when you brush your teeth; expose your teeth to air; or consume hot, cold, sweet, sour or acidic foods and beverages. It usually manifests as a wave or rush of pain. Teeth whitening treatments are not the only potential cause of tooth sensitivity, though. Among the other possibilities are:

• A reaction to a recent dental treatment
• Excessively thin enamel
• Underlying dental conditions such as receding gums, cavities or damaged teeth

What Can You Do About it?

Though different solutions will work for different people, you have no shortage of options when it comes to treating your tooth sensitivity. Some possibilities to consider are:

• Use whitening products specifically designed for people with sensitive teeth, such as those with lower levels of peroxide, or those with potassium nitrate
• Brush with a toothpaste formulated for reducing sensitivity, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Consider using a fluoride rinse to further protect your teeth
• Use a lower concentration of the treatment product
• Wait longer between whitening treatments, or take a break until the sensitivity dissipates
• By the same token, don’t use whitening products for longer or for more sessions than recommended
• Use a desensitizing treatment, which can be applied at your dental office
• Use over-the-counter medications or topical treatments to cut down on pain and discomfort
• Avoid eating particularly hot or cold foods immediately after treatment
• Do not brush your teeth after treatment, as doing so further exposes the dentin and may damage the enamel
• If you’re using whitening trays, make sure they fit properly, as the bleach in them can irritate the gums

Keep Your Dentist in the Loop

Whether you’re using a professional treatment or an over-the-counter treatment, if it’s causing you discomfort, be sure to let your dentist know. Not only can they work to come up with a solution that works for you, they can figure out if underlying issues are making you more susceptible to sensitivity.

Teeth Whitening Treatments from Springfield Dental Group

If you’re looking for a professional teeth whitening treatment that will get your smile looking bright again – or you just want a consultation on what your whitening options might look like – reach out to the Springfield Dental Group team today! We use a treatment that’s four times more powerful than the leading over-the-counter product, which means we can get your teeth noticeably whiter in no time. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation!