17 Killer Tips to Deal with Teeth Whitening Sensitivity

When your teeth have been whitened, their sensitivity increases. For some people, sensitivity and pain are quite insurmountable. But there are some steps and tips you can take in how to get rid of sensitive teeth after whitening.

You can start prior to getting your teeth whitened through the use of a desensitizing gel or toothpaste. After the procedure, you should take care of your mouth by avoiding certain foods and by gently brushing your teeth.

Tips to Help Before the Procedure

So, you have already made your appointment to get your teeth whitening procedure. If possible, make this appointment with 10-day anticipation.

1. During this time, brush your teeth with a desensitizing toothpaste. These types of toothpaste help to block the pain signals from the surface of your tooth to the inner nerve. Here in Duke N. Bui, DDS, PS, we have some recommendations for you.

2. Brush your teeth with desensitizing toothpaste for at least three minutes, going in a circular motion against the surface.

3. Try not to rinse your mouth right away after applying the toothpaste. Let it work for at least three minutes.

4. Apply a desensitizing gel or paste. Dry your teeth before applying it and use a cotton swab. Apply a dot to the swab and rub it on your teeth’s surface. Let it rest for three minutes before rinsing your mouth with water.

5. You can take pain medication an hour before the treatment. Take the suggested dosage of anti-inflammatory medication such as Aleve or Advil. Ibuprofen usually acts well. Ask your dentist if you are not sure what to take.

Tips to Getting Rid of Sensitive Teeth After Whitening

Right after the procedure, you want to show off those pearly whites, not wince, right? To ensure this, let us tell you how to get rid of sensitive teeth after whitening. You will experience sensitivity within 24-48 hours after the treatment.

The discomfort you might feel is normal, given that this procedure involves chemicals that irritate tooth nerves. If you followed the steps explained above, you should better cope with all this. Now, check these tips to help with teeth sensitivity after your teeth-whitening

procedure.

1. The first thing to avoid is any hot or cold beverage. The best thing is to drink room-temperature beverages only.

2. Also, try to avoid acidic foods and drinks. Soft drinks and citrus juices irritate a healing mouth, so steer clear from those.

3. Use a straw to drink. This is an easy way to make liquids bypass your teeth and help have a bit more comfort as you enjoy your favorite drinks.

4. Avoid smoking or drinking beverages with colorant or that may stain your teeth, such as coffee and tea.

5. Use the same sensitivity toothpaste you used at the beginning. Since we know that this type of toothpaste might be unpleasant, you do not need to worry. You can go back to your regular brand after 48 hours.

6. Be gentle when you are brushing your teeth. Use lukewarm water instead of cold water and a soft bristle toothbrush. This will help keep the sensitivity at bay.

7. Just like you did prior to the treatment, leave the toothpaste on your teeth for a while in order for it to work.

8. Applying fluoride gel on your teeth will help stimulate salivation which will help speedup the mineralization process. Apply it for five minutes without swallowing and rinse your mouth.

9. There are some mouthwashes that contain fluoride. Ask your dentist which one might work best for you.

10. Some dentists might recommend chewing a pack of sugar-free gum. Start with a small piece, chew it for 10 minutes, and proceed with a fresh one, until you have finished the pack. This is thought to help with teeth sensitivity. Do not do this step on an empty stomach as you do not want the chewing to stimulate gastric juice release.

11. To help cope with the pain, take pain killers with anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen. Just please make sure you talk to your doctor before taking any pain medication.

12. Give yourself a break between whitening procedures. Come and talk to us here at Duke N. Bui, DDS, PS and let’s talk about how often you should whiten your teeth. Too often might have the countereffect of actually increasing sensitivity over time.

If your teeth sensitivity is not getting any better after a couple of days or is getting worse, you need to pay us a visit. We are more than happy to help you get through.

At-Home Whitening Procedure

If you have decided to purchase an at-home whitening treatment kits, there are some important pointers you should know. Most of these kits use carbamide peroxide, which can irritate your teeth nerve endings. Choose one that has no more than 5-6% peroxide level. Higher than this can cause a great deal of pain and might not even be as effective.

You will find that there are variations on the type of whitening kits. There are mouth trays with gel, strips, paint-on, whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. If you are concerned about the safety of any of these methods, consult with your dentist.

Choosing a mouth tray can be tricky as you will need one that fits well in your mouth. Failing to do so can cause the gel to leak out, causing gum irritation and increased sensitivity.

Given that you have a large amount of whitening substance in your hands, you might feel tempted to use more than recommended, just be sure. Only apply the recommended amount. Using more than that can cause gum irritation and even vomiting if you happen to accidentally swallow it.

You should also avoid using the gel for more than the recommended time. Never go to sleep with a mouth tray on. More time does not mean whiter and shinier teeth. This can actually erode your teeth, increasing sensitivity and causing fractures from decay.

If you have questions, we are happy to answer them. Contact us or visit us and be welcome to a warm family environment with professionals at your service.