Does Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?

Teeth are an important component of your smile. They’re responsible for breaking down food so your body can digest it. They also help you speak clearly.

Unfortunately, they sometimes become stained or discolored. There are many reasons why teeth can become discolored, including drinking coffee, smoking, or using certain medications.

Luckily, teeth whitening can help restore your smile. It can also help remove stains from your teeth caused by trauma, medications, or aging.

Teeth Whitening and Its Types

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that brightens smiles by lightening the natural color of tooth enamel. There are different types of teeth whitening that can help you attain a bright smile. These include:

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening, or chairside bleaching, is the most common teeth whitening method. Your dentist will apply a special whitening gel to your teeth and use a special light to activate the gel. A special dental dam will be used to protect your gums from irritation.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

Patients looking for an at-home whitening option should pick up an over-the-counter whitening kit. These kits are designed to fit over the teeth and deliver whitening gel directly to the surface. 

Whitening toothpaste is effective at removing stains from the surface of teeth, but it cannot change the actual color of the enamel. For this reason, whitening toothpaste needs to be used regularly in order to maintain results.

Over-the-counter whitening kits include trays that are designed to fit over the teeth and deliver the whitening gel directly. These trays are custom-made to fit each person’s mouth. These whitening kits are convenient, but they must fit properly to be effective.

Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening and sensitive teeth often go hand in hand. A bright, white smile may be attractive, but some people find that the process can make their teeth sensitive. This can be due to a variety of factors.

For starters, teeth whitening products often contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These ingredients help whiten teeth, but they can also irritate the mouth. Some whitening products also contain acids, which can irritate sensitive tissues.

Another cause of sensitive teeth after teeth whitening is cold or hot foods. Your teeth may be sensitive for a few days after whitening, so it’s best to avoid foods that can irritate the gums, such as coffee or ice cream.

If your teeth become sensitive after teeth whitening, it’s a good idea to check in with your dentist. They may recommend switching to a less-abrasive whitening product or may suggest toothpaste for sensitive teeth.

Enhanced Smiles, located in Tukwila, WA, offers the best dental care facilities at dentistry. Dial (206) 575-1000 and book an appointment with our dentist in Tukwila to know more about dental restorative dental services and other dental care facilities.