If you are undergoing tooth whitening treatments, you have probably already experienced the pain and tingling sensation that often accompanies them. This reaction is caused by the whitening agents that irritate the dental nerves, causing sensitivity. Fortunately, there are several methods of dealing with it: you can prepare your teeth in advance, using a desensitizing gel or toothpaste; It is also a good idea to strictly adhere to the treatment instructions. In the next step, you can take care of your mouth, avoiding certain foods and brushing your teeth gently.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Taking Preventive Measures
Step 1. Brush your teeth with desensitizing toothpaste
Start using it three times a day at least ten days before your whitening treatment. Products like Sensodyne and Colgate Sensitive are two good solutions; these toothpastes block the pain signal from the tooth surface to the internal nerve.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to rub the toothpaste into your teeth in a circular, non-straight motion. in theory, you should brush your teeth every time for three minutes
Step 2. Apply a desensitizing gel, liquid, or paste
Get a clean cotton swab; put a generous amount of product on the cotton tip and rub it on the tooth surface. Leave the substance on your teeth for the recommended setting time before rinsing your mouth with water.
These products typically contain potassium nitrate which numbs the dental nerves by limiting sensitivity; you can ask your pharmacist for advice to find the one that best suits your situation. Desensitizers can be used both before and after the whitening treatment
Step 3. Fill the mouthguard with the desensitizing gel
Fill the special container with the product and apply it on your teeth thirty minutes before bleaching them. When you are ready for the treatment, simply remove the mouthguard, rinse it and fill it with the whitening agent; you should also rinse your mouth to get rid of any residue.
Make sure the mouthguard fits well in your arches - it should only cover your teeth, leaving your gums free. If you touch them, part of the whitening product will come into contact with the mucous membranes, aggravating the sensation of sensitivity
Step 4. Take pain relievers before treatment
Take the recommended dose of an anti-inflammatory drug, such as Brufen or Moment, one hour before whitening your teeth; this way, you can be sure that it takes effect on time and works during the procedure. If you complain of residual sensitivity, you can continue taking the medicine even after bleaching.
If you are unsure which medicine to use, ask your dentist for advice
Part 2 of 3: Managing Pain During Treatment
Step 1. Choose a home teeth whitening kit
Most of these kits use hydrogen peroxide as an active ingredient; it is an effective substance, but it can irritate nerve endings and trigger tooth sensitivity. Choose a kit for home use that contains a reduced concentration of hydrogen peroxide (5-6%); stronger solutions are not automatically more effective, but they cause more pain.
- There are a lot of home whitening products, such as strips, mouthguards with gels, toothpastes, nail polishes to apply with the brush and even chewing gum. If you have any doubts about these products, ask your dentist for advice.
- If you choose a mouthguard method, make sure it fits your arches well; if it is rather loose, it may let the gel out, causing widespread gum irritation and increasing sensitivity.
Step 2. Use only the recommended amount of product and nothing more
You may be tempted to apply more gels for better and faster results, but don't. instead, strictly respect the instructions and remember that oral health is the priority. Using too much whitening agent causes irritation of the gums and even vomiting if swallowed.
Step 3. Respect the shutter speeds recommended by the leaflet
If you let the whitening agent work for a longer time, you will not get whiter or brighter teeth, but you run the risk of wearing out the tooth enamel, causing future problems with tooth decay and sensitivity.
The recommended processing time generally depends on the concentration of active peroxide, which varies according to the product
Part 3 of 3: Healing After Treatment
Step 1. Avoid cold and hot drinks
In the first 24-48 hours after whitening, teeth are very sensitive, regardless of their previous health conditions. It is better not to drink too hot or too cold liquids, but limit yourself to food and drinks at room temperature; for example, instead of eating ice cream, opt for room temperature jelly.
- Even if you don't experience any pain after whitening, it's best to be cautious and not expose your teeth to extreme temperatures.
- It is a good idea not to consume acidic foods and drinks; sodas and citrus juices can inflame and irritate the healing mouth.
Step 2. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush
You should always use such a toothbrush before and after the procedure. Make circular movements; the soft bristles clean the teeth without irritating the surface. But wait 30 to 60 minutes after the treatment before washing them; if you wish, you can do some rinses with water in the meantime.
- When rinsing and brushing your teeth, use lukewarm water to minimize discomfort.
- If you feel discomfort at the idea of brushing your teeth, put some toothpaste on a cotton swab and apply a thin layer before bed. in this way, you provide your teeth with some fluoride without causing irritation.
Step 3. Use products that contain fluoride to remineralize your teeth
Some brands of toothpaste and mouthwashes contain varying concentrations of fluoride; This substance is believed to help reduce pain signals affecting the dental nerves, thereby reducing sensitivity. If you're using fluoride, don't eat anything for half an hour so it has time to take effect.
Some examples of fluoride-based mouthwashes are: Listerine Total Care Sensitive Teeth, Colgate Cavity Protection and many others
Step 4. Chew a packet of sugar-free gum
Immediately after the treatment, take a pack of these gums and start chewing one piece at a time. Every ten minutes, spit out what you have in your mouth and start with a new one; continue like this, until you have used up the package. This "exercise" is believed to reduce tooth sensitivity caused by whitening.
Step 5. Let your teeth rest between treatments
Generally, it is sufficient to undergo one or two treatments a year with the mouthguard or at the dental office; a higher frequency could compromise the integrity of the teeth and worsen sensitivity problems. Consider whitening an invasive procedure and not an integral part of your oral hygiene routine.
If you are using whitening toothpastes or strips for a home treatment, do it every other day to give your teeth more time to recover
Step 6. See your dentist if sensitivity persists
If your teeth continue to hurt for more than 48 hours after the procedure, it is worth making an appointment at the dental office. Doctors look closely at the teeth and determine if the whitening treatment has increased sensitivity or if there is another underlying cause, such as tooth decay.
