Will Teeth Whitening Cause Teeth Sensitivity?

Teeth Whitening Stone Mountain, GA

In-office teeth whitening is an efficient and quick way to brighten your smile. This treatment can remove years of dental stains and discoloration. Your dentist can use this with other dental procedures. By then, you will have healthier, more stunning teeth. Many patients are wondering if teeth bleaching will hurt. If you want to know if teeth whitening will cause your teeth to be sensitive, here are the details.

The components

The dentist will use some bleaching chemicals on the patient’s teeth. The active ingredients are carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. These substances have oxygen molecules. The molecules break down the bonds between the stains and teeth. The result is a natural, stain-free white appearance of dental surfaces.

Dental whitening and sensitivity

Teeth whitening can induce pain. The peroxides present in the teeth bleaching chemicals affect the dentin and enamel. These substances bleach the teeth but cause demineralization as well. This results in more porous teeth. This exposes the dentinal tubules in the teeth.

Dentinal tubules extend from the surface to the center of the tooth. They also connect to the dental nerves, allowing a person to feel something on teeth. The demineralization makes the tubules more hyperactive and sensitive. This then leads to discomfort after the treatment. Then remineralization starts again, sealing the dental tubules again. Sensitivity stops.

The symptoms

Teeth whitening may cause mild to moderate pain in some patients. The patient will feel this while consuming cold and hot food or drinks. Breathing cold air could also trigger toothaches. The patient will know there is tooth sensitivity through the following symptoms:

  • Toothache while eating acidic and sweet foods
  • Sudden piercing pain extending to the roots
  • Sudden toothache during exposure to changing temperatures

Controlling pain from teeth whitening

Telling the dentist about the patient’s dental sensitivity can help. This can control and prevent the pain during and after the teeth whitening procedure. Many teeth whitening products incorporate anti-toothache medication. These can help the patient gain more comfort during and after the treatment. Anti-sensitivity toothpaste can help remove some of the discomfort. A fluoride mouthwash will help remineralize teeth and relieve pain.

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush will not abrade the enamel too much. This will allow remineralization. Avoiding acidic, hot, sweet, and cold foods or beverages can lessen the pain. Using a straw can help prevent the cold or hot liquids from touching the treated teeth. Choosing at-home bleach trays will give a lower percentage of bleach. This will result in a lower degree of sensitivity.

Decreasing the frequency of teeth whitening treatments can help the teeth recover enough. Asking the dentist for an alternative to this treatment can free the teeth from further pain. Dental bonding or veneers can protect and strengthen the enamel. These will prevent tooth sensitivity as well.

In-office teeth whitening can cause short-term sensitivity

Your dentist can whiten your teeth in less than an hour. There will be short-term discomfort because of the bleaching chemicals due to demineralization. Even so, your teeth will recover as soon as the procedure is over. Telling your dentist about your tooth sensitivity can help your procedure go well.

Are you considering having a teeth whitening treatment in the Stone Mountain area? Get more information at https://www.parkfamilydmd.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Stone Mountain, GA.

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