Teeth Whitening with Sensitive Teeth

Accommodating tooth sensitivity when whitening your teeth can prove to be challenging at best. However, there are many methods available for those who have this issue. I happen to have sensitive teeth, and I have done some research over the past couple of years to find a few ways to get around this problem. Here are some of the things I've found to be helpful.

Fluoride Treatments

Brushing with a toothpaste that has a bit more of a fluoride content, as well as asking your dentist for stronger fluoride treatments, will help to promote the re-mineralization of your teeth. Re-mineralization is a process that returns minerals to the molecular structure of your teeth to rebuild them so they become stronger. When you do this process for a month or so ahead of your whitening process, you'll have less sensitive teeth throughout your whitening.

Dental Office De-Sensitizer

A de-sensitizer is a pasty substance that the dentist can apply to the sensitive area of a tooth anywhere in your mouth. Once it's been applied, your tooth can sometimes be relieved of any pain for up to a few months. Once your sensitivity has improved, you'll be in a better position to take on the whitening process.

Over the Counter De-sensitizers

You can purchase gels, mouthwashes and de-sensitizing pastes right from the store, which are also helpful for a mild anesthetic approach to keeping your sensitive teeth pain-free. Most name brands carry these types of products, making them easy to find at any local drug store. Use them as directed, and once the sensitivity has improved, moving forward with whitening will be much more comfortable.

Soft Bristles

Using soft-bristle toothbrushes along with the above measures will help to keep any further enamel from being abrased from your teeth while brushing. In this way, over time you'll be able to maintain the remaining enamel on your teeth, which will protect them from becoming sensitive and causing pain. Being mindful to rinse with lukewarm water will help you avoid any pain sensitivity from cold temperatures, and will further keep your pain management well controlled throughout your whitening process.

Harsh Brushing

Be careful not to brush your teeth harshly so that the enamel stays in tact and keeps your teeth's dentin from becoming exposed. Once the dentin becomes exposed, pain from sensitive teeth will begin.

My own experience has taught me that treating the tooth sensitivity and gaining control over that issue is best before taking on a whitening regimen. Re-mineralizing the teeth prior to whitening will help to manage any tooth pain that could occur while the whitening process is underway. This measure delays the whitening process. However, being pain free with that new white smile is worth it.