A stunning smile is a great confidence booster. Regular dental checks make sure your teeth stay healthy. However, another way of maintaining a bright, vibrant smile is through teeth whitening. The downside of teeth whitening is that it increases the chance of tooth sensitivity. Whether you are a first-time whitener or have had the process done before, here are three tips to help prevent sensitivity caused by teeth whitening.
Professional Treatment Only
It is tempting to save money by whitening your teeth yourself, but this increases the chance of tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity may be caused by:
- leaving the peroxide on the teeth too long
- using a peroxide formula too potent for your teeth
- getting peroxide on your gums
Your dentist knows your teeth, so they are the best choice to whiten them. A dentist has the equipment and experience to carefully match and apply the right whitening product for your unique teeth. They then observe and monitor the treatment process to make sure no damage occurs. It is easier for an experienced professional to do this than trying to achieve it yourself.
Time Between Treatment
The second way to prevent teeth whitening sensitivity is to follow your dentist's recommendations regarding the time between treatments. It is tempting to whiten your teeth every couple of months to keep them vibrantly white. But, the more frequently you use teeth whitening products, the greater the chance of teeth sensitivity. The sensitivity odds are increased as you constantly expose the dental nerves to harsh chemicals. Most dentists recommend that professional teeth whitening be performed once per year to avoid tooth sensitivity issues.
Aftercare
The third way to avoid teeth whitening sensitivity is to seek your dentist's advice about aftercare products. For example, the use of sensitive teeth toothpaste is one product that helps reduce the chance of tooth sensitivity occurring. Food and drink choices in the days after the tooth whitening process is another way to decrease sensitivity chances. Your dentist has plenty of advice regarding tooth sensitivity and how to avoid it.
Following these tips helps reduce the odds of any sensitivity occurring during and after the whitening process. However, if you notice any sensitivity after teeth whitening, do not hesitate to contact your dentist to ask for their advice. They are experienced professionals who know how best to care for your teeth, so their advice makes all the difference in your dental health.
