Tips For Dealing With Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening treatments are perfectly safe and effective ways to get the picture-perfect smile you’ve always wanted. These solutions often use a bleaching agent such as hydrogen peroxide to dissolve the molecules from the surface of the teeth that create stains and yellow hues.

Many patients will experience a bit of sensitivity after getting their teeth whitened. This is perfectly normal, as the sensitivity doesn’t last for very long.

Even better, there are some things you can do to reduce the sensitivity you feel after whitening your teeth. Check out this short blog post to learn everything about it!

How to Prep Your Teeth Before the Treatment

When getting your teeth whitened at the Seattle dentist’s office, you have nothing to worry about. The process is done under the close supervision of a trained professional.

Still, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a few ways to minimize the sensitivity you may feel after your treatment. Here are some pre-whitening things you can do:

• Use a desensitizing toothpaste, starting around 10 days before your procedure, to help block pain signals
• Apply a desensitizing gel right before your treatment
• Take OTC pain medication like ibuprofen before your treatment

These simple tricks can help you reduce the amount of discomfort you’ll feel after getting your teeth whitened. And even better, there are many things you can do after your procedure to help reduce sensitivity. 

How to Reduce Sensitivity After Tooth Whitening

The amount of discomfort or sensitivity you’ll feel after this treatment is impossible to predict. Pain is subjective, so it often depends on your personal pain tolerance, as well as how sensitive your teeth usually are.

Know that before getting your teeth whitened, your oral health will be assessed to determine if you are a good candidate for the treatment. This helps increase the safety of the overall procedure.

If you are cleared, here are some things you can do to reduce your post-whitening discomfort:

• Take OTC pain medication to manage your symptoms
• Avoid too hot or too cold foods and beverages for 1-2 days
• Avoid acidic foods and drinks
• Brush your teeth gently with a desensitizing toothpaste
• Use fluoride products to help your teeth get stronger

Usually, your discomfort should go away in a few days after your treatment. But, if you notice your symptoms are persistent or they seem to be getting worse, then reach out to your dentist as soon as possible for a consultation.

Get Your Teeth Safely Whitened at Green Leaf Dental

Are you ready to get the beautiful white smile you’ve always wanted? Dr. Yoni and Dr. Bean are happy to help you with professional and safe teeth whitening services!

To get started, book a teeth whitening consultation at Green Leak Dental online, or call us directly at (206) 316-2351 for more information about our services!