Whitening your teeth is perfectly safe, but it’s not uncommon for patients to experience excessive sensitivity during treatment. Bleaching molecules increase blood flow and pressure, and they also make the surface of the teeth more porous. Nothing to worry about, but it’s easy to see why sensitivity can result.
Here are just six ways to avoid discomfort.
- Go Through Your Dentist
It’s hard to overstate the importance of going through your dentist. If you don’t, you may use a whitening gel that contains too high a concentration of bleaching agent. This could put you at greater risk of excessive sensitivity.
- Brush Before, Not After
You’ll be most susceptible to sensitivity right after you’ve applied the bleaching agent to your teeth. If you brush right away, you’ll open pores further. Brush before whitening to maintain proper oral health without risking discomfort.
- Consider Desensitizing Gel
If you already suffer from sensitive teeth, it might be worth talking to your dentist about using a desensitizing gel. These calm the nerves in your teeth, so you’ll be less likely to experience those unpleasant pangs.
- Limit Acidic Food and Drink
Certain foods and drinks are more acidic than others. Whitening treatments will make your teeth more vulnerable to acids, so acid erosion is more likely. That’s bad news in and of itself, and its especially bad news if sensitivity is an issue.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Anyone who suffers from sensitive teeth will tell you that hot and cold food and drink are very common triggers. In fact, sensitive teeth can turn treats such as coffee or ice cream into torment. It’s best to avoid particularly hot or cold food and drink during treatment.
- Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
A hard-bristled toothbrush is going to be more abrasive than a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pores will be opened up, and the action of brushing will be more likely to create pangs of discomfort. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent sensitivity when you’re whitening your teeth.