Be cautious when choosing your teeth whitening products
A majority of the tooth whitening products available on the market today contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The quantities of these two ingredients will vary from product to product. However, even small amounts of these two ingredients can cause tooth irritation, thus leading to mild or severe tooth sensitivity. The irritation arises when the peroxide penetrates the tooth enamel to reach the softer layers where the tooth nerves lie.
The use of whitening gels also exposes the tiny pores in your teeth, leading to teeth dehydration. This moisture loss makes the teeth more sensitive to touch; only after your teeth have rehydrated will the sensitivity disappear. The degree and duration of tooth sensitivity will vary depending on the peroxide concentration in the whitening gel.
As always, consult with your local dentist or the American Dental Association before applying products to your teeth or gums.
Teeth whitening services by dentists
Professional whitening by an accredited dentist ranks as one of the best options for teeth sensitivity issues. Professional whitening procedures, though a little bit more costly than over-the-counter teeth whiteners are a safer option than homemade bleaching gels because they allow your dentist to monitor your progress throughout the treatment carefully.
In-office Zoom! teeth whitening is an example of a professional whitening procedure. It entails the insertion of a tooth retractor to expose the affected teeth. The dentist will then apply a resin or rubber casing on the impacted teeth to the peroxide from causing gum irritation which is the primary cause of teeth sensitivity. The dentist will apply a thin coat of bleaching gel on your teeth for a period of 15 to 30 minutes.
Should you opt for a professional whitening kit, the expert will study your dental formula, which will be used to design a whitening tray. The professional kit will comprise of the whitening tray and a suitable bleaching gel for home use. Most whitening trays are meant to last for up to two weeks.
Porcelain and resin veneers
Porcelain and composite veneers are ideal for people with severe teeth staining that cannot go away after conventional whitening procedures. The porcelain veneers attach to the tooth enamel. To install porcelain veneers, your dentist fixes tailor-made shells on top of each tooth. Porcelain veneers are popular because of their high resistance to staining. The high tensile strength of porcelain makes it ideal as a tooth veneer.
Composite resin veneers can be a safer option if the tooth sensitivity is due to enamel erosion. The resin is a shaded material that binds to each tooth rather than covering the tooth enamel. Though not as strong as porcelain, composite resins are still a good option because they are affordable and maintainable. It is advisable to talk to your dentist or guidance on the most suitable veneer if you have tooth sensitivity issues.
Best practices to maintain teeth whiteness for sensitive teeth
It is essential to carefully through product labels before purchasing any whitening gel or toothpaste. Though some whitening products are specially formulated for sensitive teeth, reading the product erases the doubt that you won’t worsen an already delicate situation. Lastly, instead of opting for peroxide-rich whitening gels, you can consider using fluoride gels and fluoride-rich toothpaste because of their teeth strengthening qualities.
You don’t have to live with stained teeth because of acute sensitivity. Your favorite dental team can help you reclaim your smile by suggesting a suitable whitener that will lead to brighter and stronger teeth.
