Having whiter teeth and beautiful smile can be a fantastic experience for most people, but for some it can leave them in pain. Teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold, or even just brushing, can be very annoying and uncomfortable. Teeth sensitivity after whitening is a common side effect that can occur during and after teeth whitening. This article deals with tips on how to deal with teeth sensitivity after tooth whitening and how long does teeth sensitivity last after whitening session.
Teeth Sensitivity after whitening occurs due to the fact that teeth whitening strips away the protective layer of tooth enamel, resulting in thin enamel. This leaves your teeth more exposed and vulnerable to acids in food and drinks. The teeth enamel can take up to a year to fully develop again, so if you whiten your teeth, you’ll want to be mindful of what you’re consuming.
Unfortunately, there’s no magic way to avoid this discomfort completely. However, as with most things in life, preparation is key and knowing what you’re getting into beforehand will make your experience much more pleasant. This article deals with tips on how to deal with teeth sensitivity after whitening and how long does teeth sensitivity last after whitening session.
What is Teeth Sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening method. It’s not the same as dentin hypersensitivity, which is a more long-term condition where your gums respond to hot, cold, sweet or acidic stimuli by releasing tooth nerve fibers that send signals directly to your brain. When you whiten your teeth, the process usually involves some sort of bleaching agent and usually has an abrasive element because the goal is to remove surface stains.
Teeth whitening kit often contain peroxide, carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide breaks down into oxygen and water to help lift stains from the surface of the tooth. The downside is that prolonged exposure can cause your teeth to become sensitive.
How long does teeth sensitivity last after whitening
Teeth sensitivity is one of the main side effects of teeth whitening. And the duration of this greater sensitivity can vary from person to person. Generally, it will last anywhere from a few hours up to a few days. But some people may experience sensitivity that lasts for weeks or even months.
There are a few factors that affect how long teeth sensitivity will last after whitening. These include:
- The whitening solution that was used. Some whitening products are more abrasive than others and may cause more tooth sensitivity.
- The intensity and duration of the whitening process. Bleaching procedure for longer periods of time and using higher concentrations of whitening agents may increase the likelihood of tooth sensitivity.
- Any previous dental work, such as fillings or crowns. These types of dental treatments can make teeth more sensitive, which may make them more susceptible to staining and other damage during whitening.
- The age of the person who is having their teeth whitened. Older adults may be more likely to have tooth sensitivity after whitening due to changes in their enamel as they grow older.
So, how long does teeth sensitivity last after whitening? It depends on the above factors and can vary from person to person. Generally, however, it should be gone within a few days (or at most a week). If you are concerned about your teeth sensitivity lasting too long, talk to your dentist about possible solutions. They may be able to recommend products or take other steps
Tips on how to deal with teeth sensitivity after whitening
Brush with baking soda
If you want to prepare for the possibility of a tooth sensitivity after whitening, you can try brushing with baking soda on a regular basis. This can help to gently remove surface stains and avoid the need for heavy-duty whitening agents. If you do have a tooth sensitivity after whitening, you can also try brushing once a day for 30 seconds with a mix of baking soda and water. This should help to reduce sensitivity.
The abrasive nature of the soda will help to remove surface stains and gently buff off any rough edges that have formed from the whitening process. If you have any existing tooth sensitivity, try brushing with a baking soda and water mixture once a day. This can help to gently remove surface stains and avoid the need for heavy-duty whitening agents.
Use a desensitizing toothpaste
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity after whitening, it’s important to try and address this straight away. You can do this by using a desensitizing toothpaste after brushing. Desensitizing toothpastes or desensitizing gel contain ingredients such as potassium nitrate and strontium chloride. These chemicals can reduce the amount of nerve response in your gums. You can also try using a fluoride toothpaste as this can also help to relieve sensitivity. It’s important to use a desensitizing toothpaste when you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening.
Avoid acidic foods and beverages
If you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening procedure, you may need to avoid acidic foods and beverages for a period of time. Eating and drinking items that are highly acidic can further irritate your teeth and gums and make sensitivity worse. Try avoiding items such as coffee, fizzy drinks, wine, cold beverages, ice cream, cold foods, and even certain fruits, such as sour apples, pears, and lemons. Instead, try opting for non-acidic beverages such as water, rice milk, and black tea.
Take an over the counter sensitivity relief medication
If you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening and you can’t avoid acidic foods and beverages, you may want to consider taking an over the counter products or sensitivity relief medication. An example of a sensitivity relief medication is an anti-gingivitis medication. These medications usually contain some form of an anti-inflammatory ingredient and may help to reduce sensitivity. Taking an anti-gingivitis medication after whitening may help to relieve sensitivity. You may also want to consider taking pain relievers to deal with painful sensitivity.
Get a tongue scraper
If you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening, you may want to try getting a tongue scraper and cleaning your tongue. There are many studies that show links between the state of your oral microbiome and your oral health. If your tongue is covered in bacteria, plaque, and other substances, this can enter the bloodstream and affect your overall health. It is therefore important to keep your tongue clean. You can do this with a tongue scraper. When you keep your tongue clean, you help to reduce the amount of bacteria in your bloodstream, which can help to relieve sensitivity in your teeth.
Go easy on the gum
If you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening, you may want to go easy on the gums. There are a number of ways to do this. You may want to: Avoid brushing too hard. Use a softer toothbrush Use a lower tooth bristle setting Choose a gentle sensitive teeth toothpaste . Avoid flossing too hard
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Use a Soft Bristled Toothbrush
If you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening, you may want to use a softer bristled toothbrush. Often, whitening can result in a rougher surface to your teeth. Using a softer bristled toothbrush can help to gently clean the teeth and avoid further irritation. Using a softer bristled toothbrush is important if you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening.
Rinse With an Acidic Mouthwash
If you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening, you may want to try rinsing with an acidic mouthwash. Many mouthwashes are acidic in nature and can help to clean and kill bacteria living in your mouth. You can also try swishing with water and baking soda, which can help to gently clean and reduce sensitivity.
Try a Dental Restoration
If you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening, you may want to try getting a dental restoration. Teeth whitening is a process that has an expected outcome. It’s not a permanent solution; your teeth will return to their original color over time. If you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening, a restoration can help to restore the color and strength in your teeth. Teeth whitening can be great for improving your smile and self-confidence. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects and know how to deal with them. If you experience tooth sensitivity after whitening, try the tips in this article.
Conclusion
Teeth sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening. It can occur after just one session or after many. The reason for this is that teeth whitening removes the outer layer of the tooth, which is called the enamel. The enamel protects the sensitive dentin layer and root of the tooth. When this protective layer is removed, sensitivity can occur.
It is recommended to drink cold or hot beverages slowly and carefully. It is also recommended to use a sensitive toothpaste that contains fluoride. This will help to protect the teeth from sensitivity and repair any damage to the enamel. Some people are genetically predisposed to teeth sensitivity, so if that’s a concern for you, talk to your dentist to take professional advice about any precautions that may be necessary before you get started with any professional whitening treatments.