If you’re interested in teeth whitening in Long Beach, you may be wondering if your teeth will be tender, painful, or sensitive after your teeth are whitened at Dodds Dental. Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity? How can you stay comfortable after your treatment? Learn everything you need to know below.
Teeth Whitening Does Cause Some Minor Sensitivity In Most Patients
So, does teeth whitening make teeth sensitive? The short answer is “yes.” For most patients, teeth whitening will cause some minor sensitivity. This is because the bleaching gel can weaken the tooth very slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules.”
These little tubes send nerve signals into the root of your tooth when you chew and eat. But after whitening, they’re more sensitive, which can result in tooth sensitivity, particularly when consuming hot and cold foods or drinks.
The good news is that sensitivity usually only persists for a few days after your whitening treatment. Your teeth will be back to normal before you know it.
Tips For Sensitive Teeth After Whitening – Stay Comfortable
If your teeth are feeling sensitive for a longer period of time or you are just wondering how to deal with sensitivity immediately after your cosmetic treatment, here are a few tips to help you feel more comfortable.
- Keep brushing with fluoride toothpaste – Make sure you continue to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps to “remineralize” and strengthen your tooth, which will reduce sensitivity.
- Consider using a sensitive formula toothpaste – Toothpaste like Sensodyne contains special compounds that reduce sensitivity, so this can be a good option for a few weeks if your teeth are feeling particularly sensitive.
- Watch what you eat – Very hot or ice-cold foods/drinks can cause a lot of discomfort if your teeth are feeling sensitive. You also should avoid spicy and acidic foods until your teeth start to feel normal again.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers – OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help you get relief from your sensitivity when taken as directed.
Can I Get My Teeth Whitened If I Have Sensitive Teeth?
If you already struggle with sensitive teeth, you may be wondering if it’s possible to have your teeth whitened. The answer is “yes!”
In most cases, Dr. Dustin or Dr. Emily Dodds will simply make some adjustments to your treatment plan, and whiten your teeth more gradually.
This helps mitigate sensitivity and keeps you comfortable during treatment. You can trust us to take great care of you throughout the entire whitening process, particularly if you have sensitive teeth, or are even pregnant.
Contact Us Today To Get Teeth Whitening In Long Beach
Teeth whitening is a great way to remove stains and reverse yellowing, boost your confidence, and get a more youthful appearance. So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (562) 439-0754 to schedule your cosmetic dentistry consultation today, and Dr. Dustin or Dr. Emily Dodds can help you decide if teeth whitening in Long Beach is right for you.
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