Reducing Tooth Sensitivity Issues After A Professional Whitening
If you have gone through a professional whitening treatment in the past and noticed that your teeth were quite sensitive afterwards, then you may not be too excited to go through the whitening again. However, you can have your teeth professionally whitened while minimizing the sensitivity. Keep reading to learn how.
Ask For A Varnish
Dental whitening causes some discomfort because the peroxide solution can remove some of the enamel in the teeth. This makes the enamel appear whiter, but the open cracks expose the tooth dentin. The dentin contains a variety of different nerves and the material is porous as well. The sensitive dentin releases strong pain signals once it is revealed.
If you want to reduce the pain signals, then speak to your dentist about applying a varnish over the teeth after the whitening is completed. There are two different types of varnishes that can be applied. One varnish is a fluoride variety that strengthens the enamel and helps the teeth form strong mineral bonds across the teeth. This helps to reduce the cracks that expose the dentin. The other varnish is made from a bonding material that fills in the cracks to reduce the exposure of the dentin.
Dental sealants can be used as a temporary measure to reduce tooth sensitivity as well.
Use A Sensitive Toothpaste
If your tooth sensitivity is bothersome, but not horrible, then you can treat the issue at home. Purchase a desensitizing toothpaste for this. There are a few different types of toothpastes you can purchase. Some pastes work to fill in the pores in the dentin so that sensations cannot reach the tooth nerves as easily. Other toothpastes act on the tooth nerves and reduce the severity of the sensations they send to the brain.
Both types of toothpastes will work well to reduce sensitivity. You should understand that the teeth will only be sensitive for a short period of time. As the cracks in the enamel fill in with new bits of debris, sensitivity will reduce. This means that it may be wise to use the type of toothpaste that reduces the sensations of the dental nerves. The paste will only work while you actively use it. This means you can switch to a normal toothpaste a week or two after your whitening when the sensitivity subsides.
If you want to have your teeth professionally whitened but do not want the sensitivity, then you can work to reduce the discomfort. Speak with a dentist like Cherry Hill Dentistry LLC directly about your options.