One of the side effects of teeth whitening treatment is sensitive teeth. If patients have sensitive teeth before they begin treatment, then it can cause increased discomfort during and after treatment. This review highlights how dentists can treat patients with sensitive teeth that are seeking teeth whitening treatment.
Teeth whitening may be possible depending on the severity of the sensitivity and the cause. It is important not to use any store-bought teeth whitening kits if you have sensitive teeth as they are less safe. Instead, visit the dentist for professional teeth whitening.
There are three main types of teeth whitening — store-bought teeth whitening, professional at-home teeth whitening kits, and in-office teeth whitening. All three are useful in the right situation. However, professional, in-office whitening is the safest way to brighten your smile, particularly for patients that have sensitive teeth. Before deciding on which of the three options is appropriate, it is important to schedule a consultation with a licensed dentist.
Teeth whitening could increase the sensitivity the patient already experiences. Subsequently, dentists typically do not recommend teeth whitening for patients with weakened or eroded enamel. Teeth whitening can also damage the tooth further, particularly if the enamel is severely weakened or the patient has cavities.
Sensitive teeth on their own are not a serious concern. The issue, however, lies with the underlying reason for the teeth sensitivity. Patients may need to have cavities filled and strengthen their enamel before whitening treatment. This may involve the use of fluoride treatments to strengthen the enamel. Once the patient has healthy teeth, then they can schedule the teeth whitening procedure.
As mentioned, fluoride treatment or dental fillings may be necessary for weakened or eroded enamel. In addition, patients that are unable to receive teeth whitening treatment due to oral health concerns, the risk of increased sensitivity, or deep stains that cannot be improved through teeth whitening may need alternative cosmetic treatments. The two most notable types of alternative treatment to teeth whitening are dental veneers and dental bonding. These are minimally invasive procedures that are safe and effective.
You can reduce the risk of teeth sensitivity by using a toothpaste that is specifically for sensitive teeth. Talk to your dentist about the best brands to use for sensitive teeth. Also, certain dietary changes such as limiting sugar consumption and drinking more water may help. Dairy products high in calcium can help strengthen enamel and subsequently reduce teeth sensitivity as well.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Call us today if you have sensitive teeth or are interested in teeth whitening treatment. We help our patients achieve the smile of their dreams, and we can also deal with oral health concerns such as sensitive teeth caused by weakened or eroded teeth enamel.
Request an appointment or call Smiles By Julia at 954-493-6556 for an appointment in our Fort Lauderdale office.
Professional teeth whitening can restore a patient's confidence by giving them a bright, gleaming smile. There are many different teeth whitening products available for home use, but the methods used to whiten teeth by a dentist can be more effective than over-the-counter alternatives. Here is what a potential patient should know about how the process…
Teeth whitening treatments are an effective way to improve the color of your teeth significantly. These treatments consist of using chemicals with bleaching properties like hydrogen carbamide or hydrogen peroxide to remove stains from the inner and outer layers of teeth.The types of stains teeth whitening treatments are effective on include the yellow stains teeth…
Teeth whitening treatments are the fastest way to significantly improve the color of teeth, and the results can last for years depending on how well the person takes care of their mouth. These treatments are performed using chemicals with bleaching properties like hydrogen carbamide and hydrogen peroxide.The bleaching agents can remove stains from the outer…