Best Teeth Whitening Options for Sensitive Teeth

T​here are a variety of professional and at home options for achieving a brighter smile. As these methods work to remove stains and lighten your teeth, they may contribute to increased sensitivity for your teeth. Additionally, if you already have sensitive teeth, the whitening process can be painful if you choose the wrong method or product.

Tooth sensitivity involves pain from:

• Teeth brushing
• Cold foods or drinks
• Cold air
• Sweet, sour, or acidic foods

T​his sensitivity can be caused by whitening or other dental treatments that remove small amounts of mineral from your tooth enamel. Before you begin a whitening treatment, it’s important to discuss the options with your dentist.

Teeth Whitening Options

I​n-Office Whitening
Professional whitening is often the most expensive option for teeth whitening. However, it is typically the best teeth whitening option for sensitive teeth. Because your dentist will be performing the treatment, they are able to monitor you throughout the process and ensure your sensitive teeth are protected.

I​n many cases, your dentist can apply gels and desensitizers to help control sensitivity during treatment. These treatments typically contain more peroxide than at-home whitening kits and work faster.

A​t-Home Whitening Kits
These DIY kits can be purchased at your dentist office, in grocery stores, or in drug stores. They are a more affordable option. However, it’s more common to experience irritation with an at home kit as you are not being monitored by a professional.

Typically, these kits involve trays, strips, or rinses to apply the whitening product. The amount of peroxide and the amount of time it’s left on your teeth contribute to the amount of sensitivity you may experience.

W​hen choosing your whitening product, check the labels for warnings about sensitivity. Consider choosing a product that has been specially formulated for use on sensitive teeth. See your dentist if you experience any extreme discomfort or changes in the feel of your mouth.

Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is another affordable option that works more gradually to brighten your smile. I​n general, whitening toothpastes contain the lowest amount of whitening product as they are intended to be used gradually over a long period of time.

A​s with at home treatments, consider choosing a whitening toothpaste that has been specially designed for use on sensitive teeth. If you experience pain when using a whitening toothpaste, speak to your dentist before continuing use.

Sensitivity from Teeth Whitening

I​t is also common to experience teeth sensitivity for the first time during or after whitening. This can occur due to the peroxide involved in the whitening process. While whitening your teeth, the peroxide is removing small amounts of mineral from your teeth enamel. This exposes the second layer of your teeth called dentin.

When you complete or stop your whitening treatment, your sensitivity may decrease as the enamel is restored and the dentin is covered. However, you may continue to experience some permanent sensitivity.

I​f you have a tooth that is sensitive after whitening, be sure to visit your dentist. Your dentist can help determine if there are any underlying issues that contributed to your sensitivity. Additionally, your dentist can help you decide how to move forward with the teeth whitening process.

Y​our dentist may recommend:

• Discontinuing treatment
• Reducing the concentration of peroxide in your treatment
• Switching to a toothpaste for sensitive teeth
• Decreasing the frequency of whitening treatments

Y​our dentist also has tests they can perform to determine the severity of your sensitivity.

Maintaining Your Bright Smile

Routine dental hygiene and visits to the dentist are the most important step to maintaining a white smile. Thoroughly cleaning your teeth after eating and drinking will help prevent future stains. Drinking through a straw can also help protect your teeth from stains by dark liquids. Do not use cigarettes and tobacco products as they can contribute to darkening and staining of teeth.

Visit Your Dentist

Before you begin a teeth whitening program, it is important to visit with your dentist. Any underlying oral health issues such as cavities or gingivitis must be dealt with before whitening. These can contribute to pain and sensitivity in the whitening process.

S​peak with your dentist about any concerns you have regarding teeth whitening for your sensitive teeth. You can discuss these options in depth and determine what is the best teeth whitening for sensitive teeth. If you’re located in Southeast Michigan and interested in learning about teeth whitening options for sensitive teeth, please visit any of our metro Detroit Fortson Dentistry locations.