Tooth whitening is a great option for individuals who want to brighten their smile, but is it safe for people with tooth sensitivity? How does teeth whitening for sensitive teeth work?
As long as you see your dentist before starting any whitening treatment, you can safely fight discoloration, even if you have sensitive teeth.
Your dentist can let you know which options are ideal for you. But first, bone up on whitening technology, and why temperatures make your teeth tingle.
The carbamide conundrum
Tooth whitening can involve bleaching gels; a bleaching agent, generally carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide (yep, the same thing used to brighten hair), is used to whiten the shade of your teeth.
You can also brighten your smile without bleaching. The abrasive action of brushing and professional cleaning can help remove surface stains. Whitening toothpastes with chemical or polishing agents can also help with discoloration.
If you already have sensitive teeth, which means you have exposed dentin, then the thought of using high-concentration peroxide gels or brushing with abrasive chemical agents probably sounds unpleasant. The American Dental Association lists tooth sensitivity and gum irritation as possible side effects of peroxide-containing bleaching products.
Buffering the bleach
But like your smartphone, teeth technology is getting smarter by the day. The bleaching gels used nowadays are well buffered, so sensitivity is not a major problem. Just make sure you use dentist-recommended products.
Simply keeping up your oral hygiene habits with daily brushing and flossing and regular dental visits can also promote a whiter smile.
Like so much in life, small steps lead to big results. Next, let’s step into a dentist’s office.
