Whether you’ve heard about the symptoms from friends and family or you’ve experienced it firsthand, teeth sensitivity in State College after cosmetic whitening treatment is no fun. If you’ve been wondering if it’s something that you can avoid or believe you’re simply doomed to deal with the side effects no matter what you do, you’ll want to keep reading. According to a dentist, the type of whitening you complete as well as your habits can make a big difference in avoiding sensitivity afterwards!
Why Does Teeth Sensitivity Occur?
Teeth sensitivity can occur for a variety of reasons, such as having a highly acidic diet or brushing your teeth too hard. However, it can also happen when using certain or an excessive amount of teeth whitening products. For example, if you’ve noticed sensitivity after brushing with whitening toothpaste or using an over-the-counter whitening strip or gel, you may have to change your habits or the products you use.
While the condition of your enamel could put you at greater risk, keep in mind that the formulation used in whitening products can also have an impact. For example, peroxide-based agents can cause sensitivity in some people. Furthermore, the dosage and concentration you use can impact whether you have side effects or not.
Thankfully, there are ways to minimize teeth sensitivity.
How Can You Avoid Sensitivity After Whitening?
While this is not an exhaustive list and you should speak with a cosmetic dentist directly to discuss the best way to prevent sensitivity following whitening treatment, these tips are a good starting point:
- Look for a whitening product with a lower concentration of bleaching agent
- Reduce the amount of whitening used in your trays
- Wait longer before performing another round of whitening
- Wait until your sensitivity subsides completely before continuing your whitening regimen
- Consider a professional desensitizing treatment or varnish from a dentist
- Use an over-the-counter gel or toothpaste designed to reduce sensitivity
Is Professional Whitening More Ideal?
The fact of the matter is over-the-counter whitening products are not always ideal for everyone. If you’ve always struggled with sensitivity after using them, it may be better to complete professional teeth whitening treatment in a dental office instead.
Not only are the formulations personalized to your needs, but they very rarely cause sensitivity following treatment. They can determine how sensitive your teeth really are and then customize your whitening treatment from there, something you’ll never find with over-the-counter products. Depending on the services they offer, you can even whiten your teeth on-the-go for easy touch-ups to keep your smile looking bright.
If you’re ready to make your whiter smile a reality, don’t hesitate to contact a cosmetic dentist today and schedule an appointment!
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Labosky offers a variety of cosmetic dental services to help you achieve your dream smile, including professional-grade take-home whitening kits complete with custom trays that fit your teeth exactly and personalized formulations designed to reduce the risk of teeth sensitivity. To learn more about whitening treatment or schedule an appointment, you can contact him through his website.
