Why do I have pain after Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening in your dentist’s office is the safest and most effective method for brightening your smile. Still, you may experience some teeth sensitivity after your procedure. While these feelings are only temporary, they can cause some discomfort. But the good news is that there are multiple ways to reduce that sensitivity and start enjoying your new, whiter smile.
There are multiple reasons why they hurt after whitening. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons below:
-Whitening gel temporarily makes the enamel permeable, leaving the nerves in the dentin layer exposed
-The trays used as part of the process may put pressure on your teeth, making them temporarily sensitive
-Bleaching gels can irritate your gums or make them sensitive
Of course, the best way to avoid these effects that make them sensitive is to have your dentist perform professional, in-office whitening. Avoid using over-the-counter bleaching products. If you prefer to whiten them at home, ask your dentist about an approved at-home kit that can provide professional results.
How to Make Your Teeth Less Sensitive after Teeth Whitening
You can follow some at-home steps to ensure your teeth are less sensitive after whitening. We have listed some at-home care tips below:
-Brushing with a desensitizing toothpaste for the 10 days before your whitening procedure
-Applying a desensitizing gel before your treatment, leaving it on your teeth as directed, and then rinsing with water
-Taking ibuprofen before your whitening procedure
-Continuing to take ibuprofen as directed after your treatment
Besides these methods for preventing sensitivity after whitening, you can also take some measures to help the sensitivity go away sooner. These measures for shortening the timeframe of sensitivity include:
-Avoiding hot or cold foods or drinks for 1 to 2 days after your appointment
-Not eating or drinking acidic foods or beverages like sodas or fruit juices
-Brushing with desensitizing toothpaste or using desensitizing gel for the first two days after treatment
-Brushing gently with a soft toothbrush and rinsing with lukewarm water
-Using fluoride toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash to remineralize your teeth
-Drinking with a straw to avoid direct contact of liquids on your teeth
-Professional Whitening Is Safest and Provides the Best Results
Often, over-the-counter whitening products are to blame for extreme sensitivity after whitening your teeth at home. These products use mouth trays or strips not made to fit your specific oral contours. As a result, the bleaching solution is in direct contact with your gums and other tissues. This causes sensitivity and can make your discomfort more intense.
Your dentist at Carolina Dental Arts in Goldsboro or Raleigh, NC offer multiple professional-grade whitening systems. These include in-office treatments and kits you can use at home. Because the trays used in these systems are designed to fit your teeth better, you are at less risk for having gel in contact with your gums, making them sensitive. In the office, professional teeth whitening is supervised by your dentist to ensure use of only safe concentrations of whitening gel.
Talk to Your Carolina Dental Arts Dentist about Teeth Whitening Today
When you are ready for a brighter, whiter smile, talk to your dentist at Carolina Dental Arts. Book an appointment today at the location nearest you.