Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments in the United States. In fact, in a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, around 71 percent of the people that were surveyed had undergone teeth whitening, and that’s not including those who have used various store-bought whitening products. Many people considering investing in teeth whitening are concerned about one commonly reported side-effect, dental sensitivity. Read on to learn what types of teeth whitening can cause sensitivity and whether it’s possible to minimize this effect.
What Teeth Whitening Methods are Out There?
It’s important to keep in mind that there’s not just one way to whiten your teeth. Some patients opt for less costly store-bought methods, while others prefer to have theirs completed by a professional. Here are some of the most common teeth whitening techniques used:
- Professional at-home teeth whitening kits: Dentists typically offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatment, with most patients opting for take-home kits. These include customized whitening trays for even distribution of the bleaching gel, as well as specially formulated whitening gel that’s designed to be highly effective and safe.
- Whitening strips: Whitening strips are typically purchased at department stores or pharmacies. While many of the recipes have been proven to be effective, overuse of them can result in enamel erosion as well as sensitivity.
- Whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpastes are very popular, but rarely offer the noticeable effects that patients are looking for. Additionally, regular use is known to result in tooth sensitivity.
- Store-bought whitening kits: Just like professional whitening kits, store-bought ones come with trays and bleaching gel. However, these trays aren’t custom-fitted to your arch of teeth, which can lead to uneven results or the gel oozing onto the gumline and causing irritation.
Can Teeth Whitening Cause Sensitivity?
In short, yes, teeth whitening can cause dental sensitivity. This is because store-bought products are easy for people to overuse because they don’t provide highly noticeable results in a reasonable amount of time, which is what many people are looking for. As a result, enamel erosion and sensitivity can occur, leading to a greater risk of cavity development.
Is It Possible to Avoid Teeth Whitening Sensitivity?
The best way to avoid sensitivity as a result of teeth whitening is to opt for professional treatment. This is because every dentist utilizes clinically proven, ADA-approved, and highly effective ingredients that don’t require long-term use to achieve ideal results. Additionally, the whitening gel they use includes special ingredients, like fluoride, to help strengthen your enamel throughout your treatment and avoid any after-effects like sensitivity.
If you’re worried about how teeth whitening can impact your oral health, the best person to talk to about your concerns is your cosmetic dentist in DuPont! They’ll help you decide what method of teeth whitening is best for you and make recommendations for products that won’t harm your teeth.
About the Practice
Dr. John Ludu and Dr. Rhenu Sharma are highly skilled general and cosmetic dentists with a passion for helping their patients achieve their ideal smiles. From dental staining to damaged teeth, they offer a wide range of custom-tailored cosmetic treatments to address common smile imperfections. To learn more about how we can help improve your confidence and grin, visit DuPont Family Dentistry’s website or call 253-964-7000.