Sensitivity after Teeth Whitening
Getting a smile that looks great means that it should be straight, white, bright, and beautiful. Not everyone naturally has these things, of course, but that doesn’t mean a fine-looking smile is unattainable. Many people come to our Chicago cosmetic dentistry practice in order to enhance the aesthetics and health of their smile, with results that are quite remarkable.
Causes of Tooth Discoloration
One of the most common reasons that people come to our practice is to remove tooth stains. There are many different causes of tooth discoloration. Tobacco products are well-known causes of stained teeth, which is just another reason to quite smoking and using chewing tobacco.
Foods and beverages can also gradually stains your teeth over time, which is why you should be careful about drinking too much coffee, red wine, tea, and colas, as well as easting beets, blueberries, and curries. Some medications will also cause stains as one of their side effects, so be sure to ask you doctor about what you are being prescribed.
Teeth Whitening Treatment
When patients visit with Chicago-based cosmetic dentist Dr. Sheldon Seidman, he will be able to assess their situation and determine the best possible treatment for their needs. Generally this treatment will involve professional teeth whitening. Teeth whitening treatment uses bleaching agents to remove stains and enhance the overall brightness of a smile. (For serious dental stains, porcelain veneers may be used instead.)
Tooth Sensitivity and Teeth Whitening
Even though teeth whitening treatment is safe and rather effective, one common side effect that patients experience for a day or two after treatment is tooth sensitivity. Generally this sensitivity is manageable and should not prove to be more than a mild and passing inconvenience.
What causes this tooth sensitivity?
Each tooth has natural microscopic holes on the surface called dental tubules, each of which is linked to the internal pulp of the tooth. Chicago teeth whitening treatment removes the plugs to these tubules temporarily, leading to acute sensitivity for a brief amount of time.
Managing Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening Treatment
There are numerous ways that tooth sensitivity can be managed after teeth whitening. Here at our practice, we can apply a tooth desensitizer after teeth whitening treatment to make your teeth less sensitive. There are also things that you can do after treatment to avoid discomfort.
For the days after teeth whitening treatment, we recommend you take the following steps:
- Do not brush your teeth too vigorously, and be sure to use a soft bristle brush
- Avoid foods and beverages that are hot or cold
- Drink lukewarm or room temperature fluids
- Gargle lukewarm or room temperature water
Other Options to Consider for Enhanced Dental Aesthetics
In addition to brightening your smile, there are many other options to consider as well. Invisalign® invisible braces, for instance, can make your smile look perfectly straight and even, improving your overall appearance and boosting your self-confidence.
Schedule a Consultation at Our Practice
While tooth sensitivity after whitening can be an inconvenience, rest assured that it can be easily managed and dealt with. If you would like to discuss teeth whitening or other dental care matters with experts, contact our Chicago cosmetic and general dentistry practice today. Our entire team looks forward to discussing these issues with you in much greater detail.
