Don’t like what you see when you smile in the mirror? You’re not alone. If you have stained or discolored teeth, you might be tempted to hide them any chance you get. Luckily, professional teeth whitening can turn your grin into one you’ll proudly show off! Before moving forward with the process, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do about any possible post-treatment discomfort. Read on to learn how you can avoid teeth sensitivity in Boca Raton and manage it if it were to occur!
What Causes Teeth Whitening Sensitivity?
A beautiful smile is something most people dream of having. However, you may wonder if it’s truly worth the pain that comes after. While you might experience some discomfort following your treatment, it’s usually only temporary and goes away with time.
In many cases, professional and over-the-counter whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide as their active ingredient. Unfortunately, some people have teeth that are sensitive to peroxide. As a result, they may start to ache after a whitening procedure You might experience discomfort when drinking or eating hot or cold products. Luckily, this potential side-effect is only short-term.
How to Avoid Teeth Whitening Sensitivity
The majority of home teeth-whitening kits contain hydrogen peroxide, which as mentioned earlier, is known to cause sensitivity for some people. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this unpleasant sensation. Here are some things to keep in mind to minimize the level of sensitivity you experience:
- Stay away from extreme temperatures. It’s a good idea to consume only room-temperature beverages after teeth whitening to avoid extreme sensitivity.
- Find products with lower peroxide levels and shorter application times. Products with lower peroxide levels (around five to six percent) and shorter application times (five minutes per application) can help minimize sensitivity.
Tips for Relief
Are you experiencing teeth sensitivity following your treatment? There are many things you can do to find relief, such as:
- Reduce the amount of whitening treatment in the tray
- Increase the time between whitening treatments
- Take a break from your whitening treatments until sensitivity reduces
- Use a desensitizing treatment or varnish applied chair-side in your dental office
- Brush with a gel or toothpaste that helps reduce tooth sensitivity
Getting a beautiful smile doesn’t have to be painful. By following the tips above, you can obtain your dream look without discomfort!
About the Author
Dr. Steven H. Feit has helped patients achieve their very best smiles for well over 30 years. After receiving his DMD from the New Jersey Dental School, he went on to be a proud member of professional organizations like the American Dental Association and Florida Dental Association. To learn more about managing and avoiding post-whitening teeth sensitivity, visit his website or call (561) 338-7535.