{"id":77,"date":"2022-02-09T21:37:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-09T21:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westlakehillsdentalarts.com\/blog\/?p=77"},"modified":"2023-08-14T18:54:35","modified_gmt":"2023-08-14T18:54:35","slug":"teeth-sensitivity-how-to-avoid-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westlakehillsdentalarts.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/09\/teeth-sensitivity-how-to-avoid-it\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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After consuming red wine with friends, coffee before a long day of work, tea to wind down in the evenings, and cola at family cookouts, your teeth likely won\u2019t be as white as they once were. Luckily, teeth whitening can remove stains from your pearly whites and give your smile the boost it needs. Though it\u2019s an excellent way to boost your confidence and gain a more gorgeous grin, whitening can also lead to sensitivity in some cases. Read on to learn what kinds of things can lead to tooth sensitivity and how you can keep your smile discomfort-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Causes of Teeth Sensitivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in teeth whitening products. It causes slight demineralization, which can make your teeth more porous. This exposes the dentin, which is the middle layer of the tooth. This causes a temporary increase in sensitivity, but it will go away once the minerals have been restored. Additionally, the way that whitening treatments affect your smile will vary depending on the formulation, concentration, dosage, and your health history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bleaching trays from store-bought kits can also cause sensitivity. This is because they aren\u2019t customized and may not fit properly. If the whitening gel in them spills out, it can get onto your gums and cause irritation. Things like cool air or brushing and flossing your teeth after whitening can also cause short but intense bursts of discomfort. This is usually due to issues such as the dentin being exposed, gum recession, or tooth decay. The peroxide in whitening treatments can also irritate teeth with cavities or infected gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Prevent Teeth Sensitivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, teeth sensitivity is usually temporary. It typically stops once you\u2019ve completed your whitening treatment. Professional whitening is also much less likely to cause sensitivity. If the discomfort continues, tell your dentist so they can get to the bottom of things. There are also several things you can do to prevent discomfort, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n