If you’re considering whitening your teeth but are worried because you have sensitive teeth, you’re not alone. Many people with sensitive teeth tend to hold back on whitening treatments because they are afraid it will only make things worse for them. All you have to do is understand how teeth whitening works and what the risks are before you get it done. This article will tell you all you need to know about whitening your teeth if you have sensitive teeth. This is so you can make an informed decision and get your teeth looking good without worrying. Let’s get to it, but first of all, let’s talk about why your teeth may be sensitive in the first place.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a dental problem that is more common than you think, affecting millions of people worldwide. Here are some of the factors that contribute to tooth sensitivity:
- Worn Tooth Enamel: When the enamel, the outer layer of the tooth that protects it from damage, wears off, your tooth becomes more sensitive.
- Gum Recession: The tooth roots get exposed when the gum recedes from the teeth. This makes your whole tooth very sensitive.
- Cavities: You get cavities when decay causes holes in your teeth. You may not notice them at first, but when they get to the inner layers of your tooth, they make the tooth very sensitive.
- Bruxism: If you are the kind of person who engages in teeth grinding, you will wear out the enamel of your tooth. This will lead to exposure of the dentine, which is below the enamel, and cause sensitivity. Bruxism also involves gnashing or clenching the teeth.
- Teeth Whitening Products: Using teeth whitening products wrongly or using the wrong teeth whitening products can also cause and worsen tooth sensitivity.
Methods of teeth whitening
There are several ways people carry out teeth whitening. They include:
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DIY whitening products
This is a method where people whiten their teeth by themselves at home with DIY products like whitening gels and strips. It is cheap, but many things can go wrong, like making the teeth sensitive or worsening sensitivity, as mentioned above. This is why you should avoid whitening your teeth by yourself at home; go to a dentist instead to ensure that there are no hiccups during the procedure. It also takes a while before you see the results when you use these DIY products.
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Natural remedies
Some people make use of natural remedies for teeth whitening, like baking soda, oil pulling, or activated charcoal. These remedies tend to do more harm than good to people who use them, and their effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. They may also cause and worsen tooth sensitivity.
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In-office whitening
This method involves having a dentist carry out your teeth whitening procedure. It is the fastest way to see results after whitening your teeth, and also the most effective method. Although it comes at a higher cost than other methods, it is worth the price, as it offers the safety that is lacking in other methods. It also comes with directives on how to manage your teeth after the procedure.
Can teeth whitening cause tooth sensitivity?
Your teeth may become more sensitive due to whitening, but the sensitivity should disappear within a few days. Conversely, if you attempt whitening it on your own, the procedure may cause permanent tooth sensitivity or worsen tooth sensitivity. This is because teeth whitening products can cause chemical burns, but when a good dentist carries it out, the chances of that happening are very low.
Can I get teeth whitening if I have sensitive teeth?
The good news is that you are not excluded from teeth whitening simply because you have sensitive teeth. This only means that your treatment options and materials should be carefully chosen and carried out by a qualified dental professional.
Teeth whitening for sensitive teeth
Before we carry out a teeth whitening procedure at our clinic, we examine our patients’ teeth and review their medical history. This is so we can tailor their procedure to meet their specific needs. If we find out that you have sensitive teeth, we will recommend the following:
- Milder Treatments: We use milder chemicals on sensitive teeth because it is safer. However, we don’t make the chemicals so mild that they have no effect; we maintain the balance.
- An increase in the waiting time between treatments: Usually, patients want their teeth to become many shades whiter. However, we don’t recommend scheduling all the treatments closely together, especially if they have sensitive teeth. This is because doing so will worsen sensitivity. We assess the patient’s teeth with each visit and determine whether it is safe to proceed with the next treatment.
- Avoidance of Extreme Temperatures: Following their treatment, we advise our patients to stay away from beverages that are too hot or cold as they can trigger sensitivity. We recommend consuming only food that is at room temperature. Alternatively, they are allowed to use straws.
Alternatives to teeth whitening for sensitive teeth
If you don’t want to go for the teeth whitening procedure, here are other things you could do:
- Tooth Bonding – This is a procedure that involves applying a composite resin to the surface of the teeth in order to hide areas that are discoloured. It also takes care of chips and cracks on the teeth.
- Dental Veneers – These are thin layers made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of the teeth to make them look brighter and better. You should know that this procedure also requires that the surface layer of your enamel be removed. This can also increase sensitivity.
- Dental Crowns – These are custom-made caps placed over the teeth to improve their colour, shape, and overall appearance.
If you are considering getting teeth whitening for sensitive teeth, you have nothing to worry about, especially if you are in good hands like ours. All you have to do to get started is book a consultation now!
