One of the most common side effects of teeth whitening treatments is increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. This typically lasts for a few days after the treatment, but it should eventually go away.
Teeth whitening treatments are a fast way to improve the way teeth look. It can increase their whiteness by up to eight shades after a single treatment.
Dentists will evaluate their patients before proceeding with teeth whitening treatments. Issues, like tooth decay, are typically treated before whitening teeth since they increase the risk of tooth sensitivity and discomfort. Teeth whitening treatments can even end up damaging teeth that have been affected by decay. Teeth whitening treatments weaken enamel, and it can lead to permanent damage to teeth if the patient's enamel is already compromised.
The tooth sensitivity experienced after teeth whitening often occurs as a response to cold beverages or air. People who have sensitive teeth should inform the dentist about their condition so they can take extra steps to reduce the sensitivity they experience after their treatment.
One of the suspected causes of the sensitivity patients experience after whitening treatments is the bleaching agent getting into the pulp chamber where it irritates the nerve.
Fluoride plays an important role when it comes to keeping teeth healthy. It strengthens teeth enamel, which, in turn, reduces tooth sensitivity. Dentists sometimes perform fluoride treatments after whitening teeth to reduce sensitivity. The fluoride gel is applied to a mouth tray and the patient bites down on it for about a minute. Fluoride treatments are an effective way to infuse teeth with the much-needed mineral and it can keep tooth decay away for up to six months.
Simple things patients can do to reduce teeth sensitivity include:
There is no point dealing with the side effects of teeth whitening if you are not going to keep the results of the treatment for a while. Teeth will continue to pick up new stains after whitening treatments so maintenance treatments are needed to keep their improved color.
Most patients will be able to preserve the results of their whitening treatments by using at-home whitening kits once or twice a year.
Call or visit our Delaware clinic to learn more about how fluoride can be used to reduce teeth sensitivity after whitening treatments.
Request an appointment here: https://sexton-dental.com or call Sexton Dental at (740) 363-2080 for an appointment in our Delaware office.
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