Whiter teeth do more than just look good; they can help you feel more confident! Research has shown that a whiter smile can give a boost to your personal, social, and professional life, thanks to a more positive first impression and improved self-image.
One of the best ways to achieve this is through teeth whitening. You may have tried store-bought whitening products that leave your teeth feeling more sensitive. You might think, “Is having white teeth worth the pain?” The good news is that there are ways to avoid post-whitening sensitivity. Here’s why it happens, ways to lessen it, and how professional treatments can help.
What Makes My Teeth Sensitive?
To understand why you experience some sensitivity, it’s good to know the anatomy of your teeth. The two main parts of your teeth that are affected by whitening are your enamel and dentin. The dentin is the layer right under your enamel, and it has tiny channels called dentinal tubules. These allow you to feel sensations in your teeth since they extend to the nerve of your tooth.
Teeth whitening can sometimes weaken enamel, leaving these tubules exposed. This can make teeth hypersensitive to hot or cold things. They might even hurt when you breathe in cool air!
How Can I Stop Teeth Sensitivity?
Thankfully, you aren’t stuck with sensitivity forever. There are a few things you can do to lessen the discomfort:
- Take Breaks: Too many whitening treatments can thin enamel, leading to even more sensitivity to hot and cold items and prolonged discomfort! If you notice your teeth are sensitive, hold off on using teeth whitening products.
- Choose Your Foods Wisely: High-acid foods like lemon can actually dissolve your enamel even more! If you are more mindful about very acidic, hot, or cold foods, you can avoid making your teeth sensitivity worse.
- Desensitizing Toothpaste: This type of toothpaste can help restore missing minerals from your enamel after a whitening treatment. It also has special ingredients that work together to try and reduce pain and discomfort from high/low-temperature foods and drinks.
Doing these things can help you get back on track with a smile that isn’t hurting you!
Why Professional Whitening Is the Best
As enticing as over-the-counter whitening products are, with their low price tag and promises of convenience, professional teeth whitening can provide safer and more noticeable results.
When you get your teeth whitened by your dentist, all you have to do is sit back and relax. Your dentist uses professional-grade whitening products that are far more effective than those found in stores. They have special formulas to help reduce sensitivity, and precautions will be taken to protect your teeth and gums. Before you start, they check for things like cavities and gum disease, which you might not even realize are there!
Your teeth are safe and sound in professional whitening treatments. Your dentist has the expertise to ensure you leave with quicker and more dramatic results that usually leave you feeling sensitively free!
About the Practice
Dr. Swathi Atluri has been serving happy, healthy smiles for 13+ years. With her first dental degree from India and her DDS from the New York University College of Dentistry, she is passionate about giving all her patients the care they deserve. Dr. Atluri offers in-house whitening treatments to transform your smile while ensuring you’re comfortable and leave with minimal teeth sensitivity! If you’re looking for a professional whitening treatment, schedule an appointment or call us at (682) 452-1150.