Health

Do Whitening Strips Cause Sensitivity in Teeth?

A brighter smile can increase your self-confidence, and today’s whitening products are more manageable than always to use at home.

Many years back, most whitening products included very harsh components that were seen to harm teeth and develop sensitivity. Products like teeth whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, etc., have changed much since then and now employ the highest quality components that are moderate on your teeth.

Teeth whitening is a relatively straightforward process that can be done either at the dental clinic or at your own home. The only drawback to whitening your teeth is the sensitivity that rarely develops.

This post talks about teeth sensitivity, how a whitening cure can be responsible for it, and what to do to lessen the symptoms.

Different Causes of Teeth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is felt like a wave of pain, generally reacting to cold drinks or certain foods. The exact cause of tooth whitening sensitivity is not known.

Moreover, peroxide—one of the key elements in many whitening products—can damage tooth enamel. This can uncover the medium tooth layer, known as dentin.

Dentin is a sensitive portion of the tooth. It encircles the tooth’s pulp (where the nerves are present) and is created by tiny tubes. When a tooth’s nerves are disturbed, it can produce pain.

If you already have tooth sensitivity and consider teeth whitening, you may wish to reconsider since it can worsen your sensitivity. Yet, there are methods to fight off this problem and still let yourself whiten your teeth and get a lovely smile.

Significant Tips to Remove Sensitivity

If you are taking home whitening treatment that develops sensitivity, the tips given below might help. These tips are helpful if you have whitened your teeth at the dental clinic.

  1. Follow the instructions carefully. It is vital to pursue all the instructions carefully, even if they are your dentist’s recommendations when using a qualified product or the manufacturer’s directions for the OTC products. It would be effective if you did not whiten your teeth for a period longer than advised.
  2. Reduce the treatment frequency. Try reducing to every next day treatment if sensitivity begins to develop, and go for shorter usage times. Sometimes only providing your teeth with a short interval between treatments can help lessen symptoms.
  3. Take a pain killer before using whitening products. Taking pain medicines can help decrease or prevent symptoms if you have them before using the whitening product.
  4. Use a recommended product with less peroxide. Although you may think that an increased peroxide level might offer you a good result, it’s not practical if you have discomfort or pain. Find out if you are utilizing a product with a decreased peroxide level (6 to 10% is a pretty low peroxide level for several people).
  5. Avoid hot food and cold drinks during treatment. Whitening can make sensitivity problems worse. Restricting very cold or hot food and drinks all through treatment can decrease your symptoms.
  6. Limited use of whitening products. It is compulsory to follow all instructions and not keep whitening products on your teeth for more than recommended. Nevertheless, it is also necessary to avoid applying them for more treatment periods than you should. Also, this can make your teeth more sensitive or even injure them.
  7. Use sensitivity toothpaste or fluoride rinses. Whitening products can help in protecting sensitive teeth and relieving symptoms. Treatments using fluoride rinses are also sometimes advised before, after, or during the teeth whitening treatment.
  8. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Soft bristles are mild on your gums and teeth. This can assist in cutting back your symptoms.
  9. Get help from your dentist. Always consult your dentist if your sensitivity problem persists or worsens when taking a whitening treatment. Sensitivity can be a symptom of a stringent issue such as decreasing gums or cavity development.

Take your dentist’s suggestions about sensitivity-reducing products that can be applied at home or the office. Your dentist may also recommend treatments that can curtail sensitivity. They have been recognized to be adequate at easing symptoms, despite the cause when used correctly.

Also Read – What is The Importance of Teeth Whitening for a Shining and Bright Smile?

What Are Different Teeth Whitening Options?

When we talk about whitening the look of your teeth, there are popular options like:

Home whitening treatment

Home teeth whitening kits are sold online, at pharmacy stores, grocery shops, or dental clinics. The components generally found in these treatments include peroxide, which sets below the tooth surface to brighten it. These treatments are teeth whitening strips, trays, rinses, brushes, etc.

Whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste helps remove stains and can involve mild purgatives, carbamide, or hydrogen peroxide. Generally, it has the least number of components when assessed with different whitening products.

In-office whitening treatment

Your dental expert gives these treatments at their clinic. These whitening treatments include more peroxide than home-use teeth whitening strips or toothpaste and act quicker than other alternatives.

Even though teeth sensitivity with whitening is very normal, it is basically for a short period, staying only 24 to 48 hours.

Things to Know Before Whitening Sensitive Teeth

Before starting your teeth-whitening journey, please go through these points:

  1. Get a high-quality whitening product. As per the OHF (Oral Health Foundation), millions of people have put themselves at stake by following unsafe tooth whitening methods.
  2. Let your dental expert check oral hygiene before the treatment. Teeth-whitening sensitivity can be developed by fundamental oral health issues like tooth degeneration, gum problems, damaged teeth, loose fillings, and reduced enamel.
  3. Before applying harsh products, ignore or limit drinks and foods that can degrade your teeth. Tea, red wine, coffee, and cigarettes are key offenders of discolouration.
  4. In case of sensitivity, you should choose a gentler and mouth-friendly product. A whitening toothpaste that also gives your teeth and gums safety is the best place to start. Using a mild whitening toothpaste with excellent whitening action gives lasting care for sensitivity.
  5. Go for proficient whitening treatment by a dentist. Processes might be whitening gels used with mouthguards or laser brightening. It is suggested that you find a dentist recommended by the General Dental Council.

Conclusion

After all teeth whitening strips and various whitening products are safe for use at home, it is still feasible to get sensitivity. By understanding the steps, you can decrease sensitivity signs and know when to consult your dentist. Also, it can help finish your treatment and keep you on the way to a brighter, whiter smile. For more information on teeth whitening, you can refer to the products of BonAuy India.

Piyushi

Blogger By Passion, Programmer By Love and Marketing Beast By Birth.

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