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In most cases, teeth whitening for sensitive teeth are brought about by gingivitis, cracked teeth, or receding gums. That is why dental whitening is complicated for those with sensitive teeth and it is advisable to see your dentist before starting a whitening procedure. Since your dentist understands your dental history, he/she will be better positioned to work out an ideal program for your sensitive teeth.
What If My Dentist Says No to Dental Whitening?
If you are sensitive to teeth whitening, your dentist may ask you to fix issues that will not allow you to go through the procedure, especially if you are having gum disease. The gum disease should be fixed before you can be advised to go for teeth whitening for sensitive teeth. In addition, if there are cavities in your teeth, they must be filled before treatment. Fortunately, the majority of dental issues are treatable and once your dental practitioner is able to confirm that you are fit for the treatment, you will be given the green light.
Is There Hope for Best Teeth Whitener For Sensitive Teeth?
If you are pursuing a beautiful smile and you have teeth whitener for sensitive teeth, there is hope for you. There are Teeth whitening solutions specifically created for people like you. And if you can have a comprehensive discussion with your dentist, your dentist will properly guide you in order to get safe and perfect results. Some whitener may give you temporary discomfort due to your situation but this can be properly handled by an expert.
Managing Sensitive Teeth After Whitening
Teeth whitening remains a highly recommended choice for removing stain on your tooth surface and treating discoloration. There are many products as well as techniques for this procedure. And you can have it done at home or at a dental office under the supervision of a competent dentist. A lot of people experience sensitivity after making use of the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach and that is why it is very important to consult an expert before the treatment.
To Bleach or Not to Bleach
There are many Teeth whitening products around such as gels, strips, mouth rinses, and whitening toothpaste. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you can achieve whitening by two means – bleaching and non-bleaching. Bleaching products will alter the natural color of your teeth because they contain hydrogen peroxide which is a bleaching agent. Non-bleaching products will only get rid of surface stains but if your case is severe discoloration, you should not hesitate to see your dental practitioner.
Your Sensitive Side
Sensitivity can take place as at the time of using the peroxide-based product or thereafter. Sensitive teeth will painfully respond to sweet foods, cold or hot drinks, intrusive tooth brushing, and so on. Whitening toothpaste may not cause much sensitivity because they don’t contain peroxide. Patients’ experiences cannot be the same even if they use similar products. This is because our teeth are not the same.
Variations in Sensitivity
The higher the concentration of a bleaching product and the longer its contact with the teeth, the higher the tendency of experiencing sensitivity. The majority of professional products contain a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide. But the competence of the dentist will ensure that teeth whitening for sensitive teeth is properly avoided. Irritation of the gums may also occur occasionally and other side effects include enamel alteration or damage, pulp sensitivity, root resorption, just to mention a few.
Finding Relief
Sensitivity is normal after teeth whitening but you won’t feel this anymore after some time. However, the technique used and the quality of the product used will go a long way in determining the severity of the condition. Your response to the treatment is also a determinant but there are many ways of treating sensitivity.
The use of lesser concentration of bleaching products and reduction in tray wear time are some of the ways of preventing sensitivity. Other ways include the use of prescribed sensitivity gel or toothpaste, staying away from hot or cold foods for two days after the treatment, using the soft-bristled brush as well as lukewarm water to brush, staying away from too much use of DIY whitening products, and so on.
Dental Visit
Consultation is very vital before whitening. So that your dentist will properly evaluate your teeth in order to discover their health status. You may not be ideal for this procedure. And it is only through proper evaluation that your dentist can discover this. Your dentist may carry out a ‘touch and air’ test on your teeth. And this will help your dentist to know highly recommended whitening option for you. Your dental practitioner may prescribe a desensitizing toothpaste and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for immediate relief.
Some Whitening Products For Sensitive Teeth
Here are some whitening products you can use for your teeth whitening for sensitive teeth. It is important for you to note that they are not listed in the order of importance.
Crest 3D White Whitestrips Gentle Routine Teeth Whitening Kit
This kit is notorious for delivering wonderful results with the aid of powerful ingredients. Like hydrogen peroxide and sodium hydroxide used in moderation. Dentists recommend using it for 30 minutes and this is now easier with advanced seal technology.
Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste
This toothpaste contains 5% potassium nitrate with the ability to break up stains thereby leading to gradual teeth whitening. It creates a secure barrier on teeth with the ability of soothing daily pain and reducing sensitivity with time.
GLO SCIENCE GLO Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device
This device blends blue LED light, heat, and hydrogen peroxide to achieve the highest level of whitening in a short time. It has a track record of success and comes with a feature for lip treatment.
Oral Essentials Whitening Strips
This a peroxide-free product. And the manufacturer decided to make use of coconut oil, Dead Sea salt, lemon peel oil and sage oil. It offers natural solutions for stain removal and you can use it for veneers, crowns, and porcelain caps.
Go Smile Teeth Whitening Gel
GO Smile is a Teeth whitening gel with a difference. It is exclusively made of hydrogen peroxide. And you can mix it with your toothpaste depending on your degree of sensitivity.