How to Make Teeth LESS Sensitive After Whitening
Whitening your teeth can be a wonderful way to improve their appearance and boost your confidence. However, one of the most common side effects of whitening is sensitivity. This can be a real nuisance, especially if you’re not used to having sensitive teeth. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to help you make your teeth less sensitive after whitening.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand what causes tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the dentin, the layer of tissue beneath the enamel, becomes exposed. This can happen due to various reasons such as:
- Tooth decay: When bacteria in the mouth break down food particles, they can release acid that damages the enamel and exposes the dentin.
- Gum recession: When the gums recede, they can expose the roots of the teeth, making them more sensitive.
- Dental work: Fillings, crowns, and other dental procedures can damage the dentin and make it more sensitive.
- Food and drinks: Consuming hot or cold foods and drinks can cause sensitivity.
Preventing Tooth Sensitivity
While it’s impossible to completely prevent tooth sensitivity, there are some steps you can take to reduce its occurrence:
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth once a day with floss or an interdental cleaner.
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste: Look for a toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, which can help block the dentinal tubules and reduce sensitivity.
- Avoid acidic foods and drinks: Limit your consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits, soda, and sports drinks.
- Use a straw: When drinking hot or cold beverages, use a straw to minimize contact between the liquid and your teeth.
Making Teeth LESS Sensitive After Whitening
Now that we’ve covered the prevention tips, let’s move on to the solutions for making teeth less sensitive after whitening:
Step 1: Soak Your Teeth
Soaking your teeth in a desensitizing solution can help reduce sensitivity. Here are a few options:
- Desensitizing toothpaste: Use a toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate or strontium chloride, such as Crest Pro-Health or Colgate Sensitive.
- Desensitizing mouthwash: Use a mouthwash that contains ingredients such as strontium chloride or potassium nitrate, such as Listerine Sensitive or Colgate Sensitive.
- Desensitizing gel: Use a desensitizing gel, such as Sensodyne Rapid Relief or Colgate Sensitive Rapid Relief.
Step 2: Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste
Using a desensitizing toothpaste can help reduce sensitivity. Here are a few options:
- Crest Pro-Health: This toothpaste contains potassium nitrate and is designed to help block dentinal tubules and reduce sensitivity.
- Colgate Sensitive: This toothpaste contains strontium chloride and is designed to help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth decay.
- Sensodyne Rapid Relief: This toothpaste contains potassium nitrate and is designed to help reduce sensitivity and provide fast relief.
Step 3: Use a Desensitizing Mouthwash
Using a desensitizing mouthwash can help reduce sensitivity. Here are a few options:
- Listerine Sensitive: This mouthwash contains strontium chloride and is designed to help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth decay.
- Colgate Sensitive: This mouthwash contains strontium chloride and is designed to help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth decay.
- Crest Sensitive: This mouthwash contains potassium nitrate and is designed to help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth decay.
Step 4: Use a Desensitizing Gel
Using a desensitizing gel can help reduce sensitivity. Here are a few options:
- Sensodyne Rapid Relief: This gel contains potassium nitrate and is designed to help reduce sensitivity and provide fast relief.
- Colgate Sensitive Rapid Relief: This gel contains strontium chloride and is designed to help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth decay.
- Crest Sensitive Rapid Relief: This gel contains potassium nitrate and is designed to help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth decay.
Additional Tips
In addition to the steps above, here are a few more tips to help make your teeth less sensitive after whitening:
- Avoid using hot or cold foods and drinks: Try to avoid using hot or cold foods and drinks, as they can cause sensitivity.
- Avoid chewing on hard objects: Try to avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or hard candy, as they can cause sensitivity.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools: Try to avoid using your teeth as tools, such as opening packages or biting your nails, as they can cause sensitivity.
Conclusion
Making teeth less sensitive after whitening can be a challenge, but there are several steps you can take to reduce its occurrence. By using a desensitizing toothpaste, mouthwash, or gel, you can help reduce sensitivity and provide fast relief. Additionally, following the tips above, such as avoiding acidic foods and drinks, chewing on soft foods, and avoiding hard objects, can also help. Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dentist if your sensitivity persists or worsens over time.
Table: Desensitizing Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Desensitizing toothpaste | Contains potassium nitrate or strontium chloride to block dentinal tubules and reduce sensitivity |
| Desensitizing mouthwash | Contains strontium chloride or potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth decay |
| Desensitizing gel | Contains potassium nitrate or strontium chloride to reduce sensitivity and provide fast relief |
| Crest Pro-Health | Contains potassium nitrate to help block dentinal tubules and reduce sensitivity |
| Colgate Sensitive | Contains strontium chloride to help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth decay |
| Sensodyne Rapid Relief | Contains potassium nitrate to help reduce sensitivity and provide fast relief |
| Listerine Sensitive | Contains strontium chloride to help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth decay |
| Colgate Sensitive | Contains strontium chloride to help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth decay |
| Crest Sensitive | Contains potassium nitrate to help reduce sensitivity and prevent tooth decay |
References
- American Dental Association. (2020). Sensitivity.
- American Dental Association. (2020). Whitening.
- Colgate. (2020). Sensitive Teeth.
- Crest. (2020). Pro-Health.
- Listerine. (2020). Sensitive Mouthwash.
- Sensodyne. (2020). Rapid Relief.