A bright, white, and confident smile can add timeless beauty to your appearance. If your teeth are a bit discolored or stained, you might need a teeth whitening treatment to give them a new glow. Still, you could hesitate to undergo this service because you have heard that teeth whitening causes sensitivity. Is there any way to brighten your smile without discomfort? This blog post explains a few points that you should keep in mind.
Post-Whitening Sensitivity Is Usually Temporary
Teeth whitening products operate by creating microscopic openings in the enamel, which allows them to break up pigment molecules. However, this process can also make it easier for other substances to penetrate the enamel, rendering the dentin — the second layer of your teeth — more susceptible to external stimuli. Consequently, you may experience acute discomfort when consuming hot, cold, or acidic foods.
Fortunately, this sensitivity is temporary. After a few days, the pores in teeth typically revert to their normal state, thus eliminating concerns related to whitening-induced sensitivity.
Some Treatments Cause Less Sensitivity Than Others
Sensitive teeth can occur with any whitening treatment, but some formulas are specifically designed to minimize this risk. These specialized products often contain ingredients that help to reduce the likelihood of sensitivity by protecting the tooth enamel and soothing the nerves within the teeth. Professional treatments, administered by dentists, frequently include such desensitizing agents.
Additionally, dentists may apply fluoride varnish or offer other treatments that are intended to fortify the enamel and mitigate sensitivity.
If you have a history of sensitive teeth or tend to experience discomfort during or after whitening treatments, it is important to inform your dental care team. They can make adjustments to your whitening plan to reduce the risk of discomfort.
You Might Need to Modify Your Eating Habits
One of the most effective ways to avoid post-whitening sensitivity is to be careful about what you eat and drink. You should stay away from items that could irritate your freshly whitened teeth, such as:
- Very hot items, including coffee and tea.
- Cold items, like ice cream and iced beverages.
- Highly acidic foods, like citrus fruits and soda.
- Very hard foods, like nuts.
Some items that can be more comfortable to eat after teeth whitening include:
- Well-cooked pasta
- Bananas
- Mashed potatoes
- Eggs
- Cheese
- White rice
- Soft bread
- Ground chicken
You will notice that the above-listed foods are soft and do not have potent flavors. They also have little to no pigment. Eating a “white diet” for a few days after an in-office whitening treatment is recommended in order to reduce the risk of new stains.
Talk to Your Dentist about Any Concerns
When used properly, teeth whitening formulas are both safe and relatively comfortable. However, if you are concerned about sensitivity, you should absolutely talk to your dentist. They can help you make well-informed choices about how to care for your smile.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Bui and Fredette are proud to provide a range of services for the Lakeville community, including advanced Zoom! teeth whitening services. If you would like to brighten your smile or have concerns about sensitivity, our team is ready to answer your questions. Get in touch with Southeastern Dental Care at 508-947-5717.