Does Teeth Whitening Make Teeth Sensitive?

Thinking about having your teeth whitened at Carmel Mountain Dental Care? You may have heard that teeth whitening can make your teeth sensitive, or that it can actually damage your teeth. What’s true, and what’s fiction?

Teeth Whitening Products Like Peroxides Can Cause Some Tooth Sensitivity

Most chemical whitening products use peroxides like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which can cause mild tooth sensitivity when used to bleach your teeth. This is normal, and it’s not dangerous at all.

If you’re having your teeth whitened by a professional at Carmel Mountain Dental Care, your treatment will be designed just for your needs to avoid excessive sensitivity, and to prevent damage to your gums and teeth, giving you peace of mind. 

However, it’s a good idea to tell your dentist at Carmel Mountain Dental Care if your teeth are sensitive before your treatment. They may adjust your level of whitener to keep you comfortable during the whitening process.

Why Does Teeth Whitening Make Teeth Sensitive? What You Should Know 

The current leading theory is that, because peroxide-based whiteners weaken the outer layer of your teeth slightly, they expose “dentinal microtubules.” These tiny, tube-like structures connect the outside of your tooth to the nerve inside the tooth, allowing you to feel sensations when biting and chewing.

When they are exposed to teeth whitening products, though, these little tubules become extra-sensitive, sending more nerve signals into your tooth, and causing your tooth to feel more sensitive.

The good news is that this is temporary, and usually only happens for a few days after your teeth whitening procedure has been completed. Be patient, and over time, your sensitivity will fade.

How To Deal With Sensitive Teeth Due To Teeth Whitening

Whether you’ve recently had in-office teeth whitening at Carmel Mountain Dental Care, or you’re whitening your teeth with one of our take-home whitening kits, you may be wondering how you can deal with sensitive teeth during and after teeth whitening. Here are a few tips:

• Make sure to keep brushing regularly – Toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps strengthen and remineralize your teeth, so it’s very important that you continue to brush 2-3 times per day, even if your teeth are sensitive.
  
• Brush with an anti sensitivity toothpaste – Sensodyne and similar anti sensitivity toothpastes contain chemicals that help dull the sensations of sensitivity, keeping your teeth from feeling too sensitive.
  
• Avoid very hot or cold foods/drinks – Usually, iced drinks or hot drinks like coffee will make your teeth feel more sensitive. Try to avoid extremely cold or hot drinks and foods during and immediately after teeth whitening treatment.

Interested In Teeth Whitening In Rancho Peñasquitos? Contact Us Today! 

Teeth whitening is a great way to restore your smile and your self-confidence. So if you’re interested in the benefits of a whiter smile, don’t wait. Contact Carmel Mountain Dental Care online or call us at (858) 484-4880 to get a cosmetic consultation with one of our doctors, and see if teeth whitening is right for you.