How To Prevent Sensitivity After

Teeth whitening is a fantastic way to rejuvenate your smile and dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth with minimal time and effort. Unfortunately, however, it can leave patients with increased tooth sensitivity following treatment. Though tooth sensitivity following teeth whitening treatment is generally mild and short lived, there are ways you can reduce your discomfort. At the Raleigh cosmetic dentistry practice of Drs. Raymond Ferri and Patrick Lawrence, we are committed to helping patients prevent tooth sensitivity after whitening treatment.

Why Does Tooth Sensitivity Increase after Whitening?

There are different possible reasons people may experience increased tooth sensitivity following teeth whitening. Teeth whitening systems strip the teeth of their protective mineral layer and increase the porousness of our teeth. This temporarily exposes the tooth’s nerves, which increases the sensitivity of the teeth.

Another possible reason for increased sensitivity after teeth whitening is a condition called pulpitis, which may occur after teeth whitening. Pulpitis results from an increase in blood flow to the tooth’s pulp. The increase in blood flow to the tooth’s pulp causes an increase in pressure within the pulp, and may irritate the tooth nerve and cause sensitivity. Pulpitis as a result of teeth whitening is rare and typically lasts less than two weeks.

Tips to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity after Teeth Whitening

For most, increased tooth sensitivity following teeth whitening lasts less than a few days. Here are some tips to help you prevent tooth sensitivity after your teeth whitening treatment:

Use a soft bristled toothbrush: Use a soft bristled toothbrush as opposed to hard bristled toothbrushes, which can be too abrasive and exacerbate tooth sensitivity.

Use a soft bristled toothbrush as opposed to hard bristled toothbrushes, which can be too abrasive and exacerbate tooth sensitivity. Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks: Following teeth whitening, your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold liquids. Prevent the pain of tooth sensitivity by avoiding hot and cold liquids for a day or so following treatment. Instead, stick to lukewarm and room temperature fluids.

Following teeth whitening, your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold liquids. Prevent the pain of tooth sensitivity by avoiding hot and cold liquids for a day or so following treatment. Instead, stick to lukewarm and room temperature fluids. Avoid acidic foods and drinks: After teeth whitening, your teeth are more vulnerable to the damaging effects of acidic foods and drinks. Acidic foods and drinks can damage the enamel, causing increased sensitivity.

After teeth whitening, your teeth are more vulnerable to the damaging effects of acidic foods and drinks. Acidic foods and drinks can damage the enamel, causing increased sensitivity. Do not brush after teeth whitening: Allow your teeth time to recover after whitening treatment, as brushing immediately after can potentially damage enamel and open the pores in your teeth further. Brushing should be done prior to whitening.

Allow your teeth time to recover after whitening treatment, as brushing immediately after can potentially damage enamel and open the pores in your teeth further. Brushing should be done prior to whitening. For in home treatment, use only as directed: If you are using an in-home whitening system, be sure to follow the directions. Leaving whitening trays or strips on longer than directed can cause the teeth to become porous and lead to pulpitis.

If you are using an in-home whitening system, be sure to follow the directions. Leaving whitening trays or strips on longer than directed can cause the teeth to become porous and lead to pulpitis. Brush with toothpastes formulated for sensitive teeth: There are multiple toothpastes formulated for sensitive teeth. Using these toothpastes can help prevent tooth sensitivity.

There are multiple toothpastes formulated for sensitive teeth. Using these toothpastes can help prevent tooth sensitivity. Take ibuprofen prior to or after bleaching: Upon approval from your doctor, you may take ibuprofen to help relieve any pain you may experience from tooth sensitivity.