Interested in teeth whitening in Denver from Poulos, Somers & Marshall? Teeth whitening is a great way to remove stains and yellowing and make you feel younger and more self-confident. But you may also have heard it causes teeth sensitivity. Is that true? Find out now in this blog post.
Teeth Whitening Will Cause Mild Sensitivity – But That’s Normal
The answer is “yes!” Teeth whitening does cause mild sensitivity in most patients, even when it’s administered by a dental professional. This is normal and to be expected. It’s nothing to worry about.
Most patients go back to feeling normal within a few days of their treatment. However, people with thin enamel or naturally sensitive teeth may have more sensitive teeth for a week or even longer. Again, this is normal and is nothing to be concerned about.
Why Does Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?
Dentists are still not 100% sure why teeth are sensitive after whitening, but the leading theories have to do with “dentinal microtubules.”
These are tiny structures found throughout the tooth. They connect the outside of each tooth to the nerves inside. This is what allows your teeth to “feel” things even though the outer layers don’t have any nerves.
When your teeth are whitened, the chemicals used in the process weaken the outside of the tooth very slightly. This exposes the dentinal microtubules, which then become much more sensitive to sensations like heat, cold, and pressure.
Over time, though, as you brush your teeth, the fluoride in your toothpaste attracts minerals back to the teeth, covering up these structures and restoring your teeth back to normal. That’s why teeth whitening sensitivity is only temporary.
How Can I Manage Sensitivity During the Whitening Process?
There are a few things we recommend that you do if your teeth are sensitive due to teeth whitening. These tips can help you manage and reduce sensitivity.
- Tell your dentist if your teeth are sensitive before treatment – Your dentist at Poulos, Somers & Marshall may decide to whiten your teeth more gradually to help reduce your overall discomfort during the process, and may take other steps to make sure you stay comfortable throughout your treatment.
- Brush frequently using a soft-bristled brush – Keep brushing at least twice a day for two minutes. You can switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently to avoid discomfort. Don’t cut back on brushing! Consistent brushing with fluoride toothpaste is the best way to strengthen your teeth and overcome sensitivity after whitening.
- Consider anti-sensitivity toothpaste – Toothpaste like Sensodyne, for example, contains ingredients that can help combat sensitivity and discomfort.
- Avoid extremely hot, cold, or difficult-to-chew foods – Heat, cold, and pressure are the most common things that make sensitivity worse, so avoiding very hot, ice-cold, or tough foods can help with your symptoms.
Contact Poulos, Somers & Marshall for Teeth Whitening in Denver
If you’re interested in getting a whiter smile in Denver, the team at Poulos, Somers & Marshall is here to help. We serve patients throughout the Golden Triangle, Capitol Hill, and Downtown Denver with expert teeth whitening services. Contact us online or give us a call at (303) 832-4867 to schedule a consultation today.
