Teeth whitening sensitivity is a condition wherein the tooth of the concerned individual is adversely affected after the bleaching process has commenced.
The sensation felt by the concerned individual is that of utter discomfort. In most cases, the concerned individual often hopes to get a speedy resolution.
Your dentinal tubules need to be preserved via proper oral care. Using soft bristles while choosing your toothbrush, medicated toothpastes and avoiding harsh chemicals (as found in teeth whitening products) may offer a solution to your teeth sensitivity issues.
When does Teeth Whitening Sensitivity Occur?
The pain and discomfort may occur during the teeth whitening process, a few minutes after it has been performed or hours after the procedure has taken place. So, there is no fixed time, sequence or pattern for the same.
It can happen to any individual that has gotten a tooth whitening procedure performed regardless of his/her current dental health. Nonetheless, you do need to keep a close watch on the type of tooth bleaching procedure that you opt for.
Your degree of pain and discomfort is directly proportional to your chosen teeth whitening procedure (trays, gel, laser, whitening toothpaste etc). These are expensive teeth whitening procedures in USA.
Why does Dentin Hypersensitivity Occur?
Dentin Hypersensitivity or teeth whitening sensitivity is a direct resultant to the chemical reacting with the nerves in your tooth. So, when hydrogen peroxide gets in touch with the nerves located in your tooth then, all hell breaks loose.
When this contact happens, the nerves react. This reaction with the chemical laced tooth bleaching agent causes the fluid present within the dentinal tubes to move towards the pulp. This causes pain and discomfort as the micro-receptors present within these nerves trigger a response.
Over here, it is vital to understand that the current nature, characteristics and genetic makeup of the tooth is directly responsible to how your teeth shall react to a particular tooth whitening procedure.
The feeling that you get is tingling sensation in the tooth/gum area. The carbamide peroxide chemical found in teeth whiteners may also cause rash or inflammation in your tooth and gum area.
How to Detect Dentin Hypersensitivity?
While a certain level of teeth sensitivity is considered normal (for example, when you consume anything acidic or ice cold) the short yet thudding pain following a teeth whitening procedure, is a cause for concern.
The external stimulus causing this deep and sharp ache in your tooth is the determining factor here.
Here is how you can detect whether you are suffering from teeth sensitivity or not:
Too Hot or Too Cold:
The first sign of teeth sensitivity is reaction to anything touching your teeth that has thermal imbalance. For example, drinking hot coffee or ice tea can trigger teeth sensitivity.
The Chemical Outburst:
When an acid is applied onto the tooth, it tends to become sensitive. This again is a classic example of tooth aches and sensitivity.
Electric Waves:
Sometimes, electrical waves running within your body tend to disrupt the root of your tooth. This too causes teeth sensitivity.
Blast of Hot or Cold Air:
During a dental procedure, if a blast of air is directed towards your teeth then, it can damage the nerves on your tooth.
Scaling and Toothbrush Techniques:
When you are getting your damaged tooth repaired via a dentist then, the scraping procedure tends to damage your tooth nerves. Brushing your teeth incorrectly also tends to damage your nerves.
Excess Sugar Intake:
Refined sugar induced in the mouth via various forms, can also damage the nerve ending of your tooth. This can also cause tooth sensitivity.
How to Reduce Teeth Whitening Sensitivity?
In order to reduce Dentin Hypersensitivity, you need to try and incorporate the below listed steps into your daily routine:
>>> The first tip is to avoid eating foods or drinks that further irritate your tooth and gum area. So, tea, coffee, colas, fizz drinks, fried food, sauces etc. need to be avoided. Foods that are extremely cold (ice cream) or piping hot (tea) should also be avoided. Reduce the spice intake and no acidic foods should be consumed.
>>> You should try and quit opting for teeth whitening procedures altogether. When the chemical present in your tooth fails to irritate the nerves in your tooth, you tend to feel relaxed and better. If you still want to whiten your tooth then, give a gap of a few months between each procedure.
>>> Some are of the firm opinion that you should opt for home teeth whitening methods as they use less ratio of chemicals in their bleaching agents. This may reduce the chances of you suffering from teeth sensitivity.
>>> Looking for an alternative teeth whitening procedure to reduce teeth sensitivity is also a wise option. So, instead of the usual trays or gel, opt for laser tooth whitening instead. Maybe this time around, your tooth shall be less sensitive after the procedure is completed.
>>> There are special toothpastes (fortified with potassium) that tend to numb your tooth and gums thereby reducing the tingling sensation. They also reduce your gum inflammation (if any).
>>> Show yourself to a dentist if the problem persists. A trained medical representative has the ability to reduce your tooth related discomfort by giving necessary medications.
>>> Use mouthwashes containing a blend of fluorides and potassium. It can help you contain the tingling sensation in your teeth and gums.
>>> Include Nano-hydroxyapatite based toothpastes to regenerate the damaged nerves in your tooth. It also helps develop the tooth enamel.
>>> Include gums (chewable varieties) that contain desensitizing properties. These may include hydroxyapatite, strontium chloride, calcium carbonate and even calcium sodium phosphosilicate.
>>> Limit your teeth brushing ordeal to just twice a day. Once after you wake up in the morning and the other before hitting the sack at night. Excessive brushing of teeth can also lead to tooth sensitivity.
>>> In order to ensure that your mouth is freed from any acidic environment, always get your digestion in order. If you suffer from acid reflux then, you need to take the corrective medications for the same.
Conclusion
It is important to make note of the fact that there is no single treatment to cure or reduce teeth whitening sensitivity. You need to opt for various combinations (at-home treatment remedies explained above) to get respite from this insistent pain.
You can opt for dentin tubules as these contain certain chemical compounds that block the neural transmission thereby stopping the pain from being intercepted in the very first place. So, use mouthwashes, toothpastes, varnishes etc.
If pain persists and you need a solution in a jiffy then, try and avoid teeth whitening or at least postpone it to another later date.
@ Avoid misusing your teeth whitening product and always follow the instructions.
@ Do not hesitate to wipe the gum clean if the bleaching agent falls onto it. A damp cotton is an ideal solution for the same.
@ In case your home based tooth whitening product has reached its expiry state then, throw it in the bin with immediate effect. Do not think of using it again (even if that means using it a month past its expiration date).
@ If you suffer from gum irritation post the completion of your tooth whitening process then, definitely stop any further tooth bleaching process. You need to give the much needed rest to your burnt gums.