A bright, white smile is a timeless accessory. If your teeth are a bit discolored, a whitening treatment may be able to help! But what if you are prone to dental sensitivity? You might wonder if whitening your teeth will increase your discomfort. Is there any way to avoid sensitivity after teeth whitening? This blog post explains a few facts that you should keep in mind.
Post-Whitening Sensitivity Is Usually Temporary
Teeth whitening formulas work by opening pores in teeth and penetrating the enamel, which allows them to break up pigment molecules. Unfortunately, this process also makes it easier for other substances to sneak into the enamel, meaning that the second layer of your teeth (the dentin) becomes more vulnerable to outside stimuli.
The good news is that this is temporary! After a few days, the pores in your teeth should return to their normal state, meaning that you will not need to worry about whitening-related sensitivity any longer.
Some Treatments Cause Less Sensitivity Than Others
While increased sensitivity could happen with virtually any whitening treatment, some formulas are specifically designed to keep the risk of sensitivity to a minimum. For example, many professional treatments have desensitizing agents that can reduce post-treatment discomfort. Some dentists also offer a fluoride varnish or other treatments that can help with whitening-related sensitivity.
Additionally, if you are prone to dental sensitivity, it is important to let your care team know. They may be able to use a less concentrated whitening formula or make other adjustments to your treatment so the experience is as easy as possible for you.
You Might Need to Modify Your Eating Habits
One of the best things you can do to keep yourself comfortable after a whitening treatment is temporarily avoid foods and drinks that might irritate your teeth. For example, you may need to stay away from:
- Very hot items, such as hot coffee and tea.
- Cold items, like ice cream and iced beverages.
- Highly acidic foods, like citrus fruits.
- Very hard foods, like nuts.
Some items that can be safe and comfortable to eat after teeth whitening include:
- Well-cooked pasta
- Mashed potatoes
- Bananas
- Eggs
- Cheese
- White rice
- Plain bread
- Ground chicken
You will notice that the above-listed foods are soft and do not have very strong flavors. They also have little to no pigment. Eating a “white diet” for a few days after an in-office whitening treatment can reduce the risk of new stains.
Talk to Your Dentist about Any Concerns
While teeth whitening is generally safe and relatively comfortable, you should not hesitate to talk to your dentist if you have concerns about sensitivity or anything else that is related to your oral health. Their expert guidance can help you make well-informed decisions about how to achieve a smile that is beautiful, healthy, and pain-free.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, we are proud to have a large team of general dentists and specialists who are eager to put their knowledge to work for our patients. We offer both in-office and take-home professional whitening services. If you have questions or concerns about what to expect as you are brightening your smile, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Woodbridge office at 203-409-2535.