An important concern for a Cosmetic Dentist is to minimize tooth sensitivity that can occur after whitening treatments. Patients who already deal with sensitive teeth may experience a temporary worsening of the problem. Others who never had trouble with sensitivity before may have some discomfort after the whitening procedure. This might last for a few days or up to two weeks.
Causes of Sensitivity After Whitening
One cause of this sensitivity is the bleaching substance penetrating the teeth, causing increased blood flow there that, in turn, increases the pressure inside the teeth. This irritates the pulp. The other cause is the stripping away of a protective layer on the teeth that normally protects the underlying surface from heat and cold. This makes the teeth more porous. There is no other way to remove stains on tooth enamel.
Products That Reduce Sensitivity
Some individuals have to deal with this type of sensitivity all the time because their teeth are naturally more porous. They benefit from using toothpaste crafted especially for these consumers. For other individuals, sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages first occurs soon after whitening. Prescription gels and toothpaste are available that reduce sensitivity in a more powerful way than over-the-counter products.
Avoiding Temperature Extremes
A Cosmetic Dentist in Tacoma WA may advise patients to avoid substances with temperature extremes for a couple of weeks, or at least not to get those foods and beverages on the teeth. Ice water and ice cream could be avoided, for instance, and coffee could be consumed after it has cooled a bit. Biting into a hot bagel or a steaming piece of beef stew isn’t a good idea while the teeth are recovering from the bleaching process.
Preventing Future Staining
Another consideration is that coffee and black tea both gradually stains teeth over time, and the person should keep those beverages away from the teeth as much as possible while drinking them. The same goes for red wine, purple grape juice, colas, and other dark beverages. A Cosmetic Dentist in Tacoma WA with a practice can provide other tips for minimizing discomfort after teeth whitening.
