Tips for Dealing with Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening

A teeth whitening treatment can bring that sparkle back in your smile. Your teeth look vibrant and cleaner. However, the jolt of sensitivity you feel afterwards can dim your smile. Even with guidance from a cosmetic dentist in Woodbridge, people can experience tenderness after whitening. The good news? The sensation fades in some time. Until then, here are some top tips from Mackenzie Dental to make the adjustment period easier on your teeth. 

Switch to Gentle Oral Care Products

The toothpaste and toothbrush you use during the initial days after teeth whitening make a difference. Whitening triggers sensitivity as the whitening gels temporarily open tiny pathways(tubules) in the tooth so the bleaching agent can work on discoloured areas. Those same pathways can allow heat or cold to reach the tooth nerves. A desensitizing toothpaste blocks the tubules that lead to the tooth nerves and makes them less reactive. Experienced dentists in Woodbridge suggest starting it ten to fourteen days before the whitening. 
Use a light hand and a soft brush. Aggressive brushing will only irritate the enamel that’s adjusting to the whitening gel. Skip whitening toothpastes or mouthwashes until the sensitivity settles. 

Temporary Diet Modification

Extremely hot or cold drinks can cause tooth sensitivity, so avoid them for the first few days after whitening. Stick to room temperature or lukewarm foods that are gentle on the enamel. Avoid acidic foods as well—citrus and vinegar dressings or sparkling drinks can irritate the exposed tubules in your teeth. Thankfully, this does not last too long. You can return to a normal diet after two or three days. 

Protect & Support Your Enamel

Your enamel is strong, but whitening puts temporary pressure. Support your enamel with fluoride rinses for faster remineralisation. This strengthens weakened tooth areas and makes the surface less reactive. Apply fluoride gel or other desensitising products recommended by your cosmetic dentist in Woodbridge. They curb discomfort during the first couple of days. Drink water throughout the day to keep acidity levels down and stay hydrated. 

Follow Whitening Practices Your Dentist Recommends

The best and safest treatment is following a professional whitening plan from a skilled cosmetic dentist in Woodbridge. Avoid store-bought kits—they rarely fit well, and the bleaching gel can spread onto the gum. This increases sensitivity and tissue irritation. A cosmetic dentist in Woodbridge can fashion custom trays for your teeth that keep the gel in place. They’ll also use strong and efficacious products in a controlled manner for a brighter smile with less stress on teeth. 

You can also ask your dentist for low-intensity treatments if you already have reactive teeth. Spacing out whitening sessions will also give your enamel the needed recovery time.  

Whiter Teeth without Sensitivity

Teeth whitening need not be an ordeal. Treatment under the guidance of a certified cosmetic dentist in Woodbridge will help you sail through the sensitive stage. Gentle products and temporary dietary adjustments are all you need! If your sensitivity lasts longer or becomes sharper, check with your dentist in Woodbridge. Teeth can sometimes react to an underlying issue, like minute cracks or gum recession. Mackenzie Dental’s there for your tooth whitening needs and related sensitivity support. Book your Mackenzie Dental appointment today and enjoy safe and comfortable whitening. Call now! 

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