Everyone loves a bright white smile, but if you have sensitive teeth, it can be a painful process to whiten your teeth. Your teeth have a protective covering, if this protective covering wears down the nerve endings are exposed. These nerve endings when exposed cause sensitivity. With advanced technology, the good news is that there is a way to whiten your teeth without discomfort. In this guide, we will talk about why teeth become sensitive and how the best teeth whitening for sensitive teeth can help you achieve a radiant smile without pain.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is one of the worst kinds of pain you may have to go through. It is a sharp pain you feel when you eat hot, cold, or sweet foods. Here are some of the common causes of this:
- Enamel Erosion: If you drink a lot of sodas, eat acidic foods, or brush your teeth too harshly, you can cause your enamel to damage and this can be the cause of sensitivity.
- Gum Recession: When your gums recede or pull back, they expose the parts of your teeth that are not covered with enamel. This can cause sensitivity of the teeth.
- Dentin Exposure: The layer underneath the enamel is called dentin. When your enamel becomes too thin, dentin is exposed and this makes the teeth very sensitive too.
Cracks or Chips: If your teeth are broken or cracked, they can expose nerves. This causes discomfort when eating or while whitening.
Whitening Options for Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, you don’t have to give up the idea of whitening. Here are some of the things you can do that work for sensitive teeth:
- Professional Whitening with Desensitizing Agents: Dentists offer professional teeth whitening services, with special ingredients that reduce sensitivity. This option is considered one of the best for whitening sensitive teeth because the dentists customize it for your needs.
- Low-Concentration Peroxide Treatments – Whitening treatments with peroxide work slower, but are gentle on sensitive teeth. making them a great choice for teeth whitening for sensitive teeth.
- Whitening Toothpaste for Sensitivity – You can pick whitening toothpastes since these are specifically designed for sensitive teeth and they also give strength to the enamel by reducing pain and removing stains.
- Custom-Fit At-Home Whitening Trays – Dentists nowadays create trays that fit your teeth perfectly. They fill these trays with mild whitening gels and that makes these trays a perfect part of your regular teeth whitening kit.
- Teeth Whitening Strips: These strips are found over the counter; they work wonders in teeth whitening at home. For sensitive teeth, you have to choose strips with lower peroxide levels to avoid irritation.
- Natural or DIY Teeth Whitening Solutions – People use natural methods to whiten teeth, some of them are: baking soda, activated charcoal, and diluted hydrogen. But these need to be used carefully so that you don’t damage the enamel. For everyone looking for a milder approach, these can be a part of your whitening routine.
Tips for Reducing Sensitivity During Whitening
You can try the tips below to make your teeth less sensitive over time:
- Desensitizing Toothpaste – Acidic fruits like lemons, oranges, tomatoes, and vinegar, make your enamel weak. This makes the teeth very sensitive. If your intake a lot of sodas or wine, that is also a cause of erosion of the enamel. When you are considering whitening or if you have recently gotten your teeth whitening done, you have to avoid these foods so that you don’t have any discomfort.
- Follow Up with Fluoride Treatments – Flouride gives strength to your enamel and reduces sensitivity. You can use a fluoride mouthwash or a toothpaste. You can also ask your dentist for fluoride treatments to keep the minerals intact and prevent irritation.
- Brush Gently – If you brush too hard, it can erode your enamel and cause irritation of the gums. This will make the sensitivity worse. Instead of scrubbing your teeth, you need to get a brush with softer bristles and brush them in soft circular motions. Your teeth will remain clean and this way will also prevent your enamel.
Knowing When to Seek Expert Advice
If your teeth are still sensitive after trying gentle whitening options, it’s best to visit a dentist. A professional can recommend the best teeth whitening for sensitive teeth based on your dental health. Whether you choose professional teeth whitening services or an at-home teeth whitening kit, expert guidance ensures a safer and more effective whitening experience.
Author Bio:
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental communities with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.
