Tips for Whitening Your Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, you already know how difficult it is just to have temperatures that are too hot or too cold. Unfortunately, this also means that traditional teeth whitening and bleaching products can cause extra sensitivity and pain. Here are some tips for getting bright, white teeth without the added pain.
Look For a Low Peroxide Level
Just because you have sensitive teeth, doesn't mean you can't use whitening products. However, it is important that you are careful which products you use. You don't want to just go with the first product you find and not look into what the bleaching ingredients are. Most over-the-counter teeth-whitening products contain peroxide, which is often what causes the sensitivity or pain. Look to see what the peroxide level is and find the product with the lowest level. Leaving the whitening product on for less time can also help to ease some of that discomfort.
Get Your Gum Disease Treated First
A common reason why you may experience discomfort after whitening isn't just because of sensitive teeth, but because your gums can become inflamed and cause more pain. This is often linked to having gum disease. If you suspect you have gum disease, it is highly recommended that you see your dentist first to rule out additional dental or gum problems that could make the whitening process first. Removing plaque, having cavities taken care of and treating gum disease should all be done before you whiten your teeth.
Use Sensitivity Toothpaste
Before you whiten your teeth, it is a good idea to prep the teeth by using toothpaste with potassium nitrate. This is a common ingredient found in sensitivity toothpaste, which can help lower the pressure on your nerves, helping with hot and cold temperatures and reducing sensitivity and pain following a teeth whitening procedure. Try to use this toothpaste for a week or so before and after teeth whitening. You may also find teeth-whitening products from the same brands selling sensitivity toothpaste.
Get Professional Whitening Done
There are a lot of benefits of choosing professional whitening as opposed to over-the-counter products, but one reason to do this is because your dentist can help if you have sensitive teeth. They will only use certain types of products and won't leave it on for as long or use as much intensity with the bleaching product. They can also assess your teeth and gums for other problems at the same time.
For more information on teeth whitening, contact a dentist at an office such as Dental Smile Clinic.