May 01, 2022
Dentin hypersensitivity or tooth sensitivity is a discomfort caused by a response to certain stimuli. The symptoms of tooth sensitivity are experienced as a wave or rush of pain at the roots of the affected teeth. You may have naturally extra sensitive teeth due to thin enamel. However, various things can trigger tooth sensitivity. Read more about teeth whitening sensitivity.
Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening
Everyone wants to add a sparkle to their smiles through teeth whitening in Coppell, TX. However, one cause of dentin hypersensitivity is the products used during teeth whitening. They contain hydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient. This bleach gets through the enamel and into the dentin to lift the stains..
As a result, the chemicals enter the dentin tubules or the microscopic channels in the enamel. Since the channels lead to the tooth nerves, they become irritated when the dentin is exposed to extreme sensations. Therefore, your teeth become sensitive to extreme temperatures. The sharp tooth pain worsens whenever the tooth is exposed to hot or cold foods and drinks.
Teeth sensitivity after whitening varies. It is more severe for people who bleach their teeth at home without the help of a dentist. This is because you may overuse the abrasive bleaching agent as you try to lift off permanent stains. Therefore, the protective tooth enamel gets damaged. This exposes the deeper layers of the tooth and leads to sensitivity.
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Can a Teeth Whitening Procedure Cause Permanent Sensitivity?
Yes, it can, but only if you damage the tooth enamel through the process. For example, using over-the-counter whitening products, bleaching teeth can cause permanent teeth sensitivity. This is because you may choose a product containing excess bleaching agents. You may even opt to leave them on your teeth for a longer time than instructed so that you get a whiter smile.
Sometimes, you may bleach your teeth more frequently than recommended. Unfortunately, doing all this exposes your enamel to corrosive agents that wear it down. As a result, you will experience permanent sensitivity. However, if you seek treatment from the dentist in Coppell, TX, you will receive a solution to the sensitivity.
Teeth whitening by a professional does not lead to permanent sensitivity. You will start to experience perceptiveness during the process and for a short while after. The feeling is pronounced on the first day but improves significantly after that. If it persists beyond a week, it may be due to other reasons and not the whitening treatment.
Other causes of tooth sensitivity include tooth decay and gum. You may experience permanent sensitivity if you have certain medical conditions. examples are bulimia and gastro-paresis. They cause constant vomiting, which exposes teeth to acids from the stomach. They wear down the enamel slowly to reveal the dentin to sensitivity.
How To Avoid Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening
You can avoid teeth whitening sensitivity by seeking professional teeth whitening services. They leave your teeth brighter without damaging your enamel. The dentist uses bleaching agents expertly to prevent gum irritation or extreme sensitivity. In addition, these experts use desensitizing products to reduce symptoms.
Another method is to talk to your dentist about finding the right whitening products. The dental expert will help you choose products suitable for your teeth. They can even customize whitening trays to use at home whenever you want a more dazzling smile. Below are some tips to avoid sensitivity after the whitening process. They include:
- Take a pain reliever before the procedure to reduce or prevent the symptoms.
- Use special toothpaste and gels that reduce sensitivity for a week before the procedure.
- Avoid cold or hot foods and beverages for the first few days after the treatment.
- Use brands of toothpaste and mouth rinse suitable for sensitive teeth. Dental care products containing fluoride will help remineralize your enamel and reduce sensitivity.
- Brush your teeth gently. Preferably use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Use a straw when taking liquids to help them bypass your sensitive teeth.
- Let the dental experts at Compassion Smiles Dentistry-Coppell guide you through the treatment. They will customize the whitening process to avoid extreme sensitivity. These dental experts will also recommend products to reduce the expected discomfort. Acquire a brighter, healthier smile with us.
FAQs
Debunking the Myth: Teeth Whitening and Permanent Sensitivity. The simple answer is no; teeth whitening does not typically cause permanent sensitivity. As per the American Dental Association, the sensitivity experienced after teeth whitening is temporary and should diminish over time.
Does teeth whitening make teeth permanently sensitive? ›
Teeth whitening may cause mild tooth pain, sensitivity, and gingival irritation. But there are ways to find relief. Tooth sensitivity and gum pain after whitening should only last a few days. If your pain is severe and long lasting, let your dental provider know right away.
Can teeth whitening cause permanent nerve damage? ›
Dental studies have been conducted on people that whiten their teeth professionally. There has been no evidence found that teeth whitening can lead to nerve damage. A study followed patients for seven years. During this time they were using teeth whitening systems.
Can teeth whitening cause sensory issues? ›
Potential for Sensitivity
Temporary sensitivity is a common and controllable adverse effect of teeth whitening procedures. Some people can experience increased sensitivity to changes in temperature and certain meals both during and after the procedure. This sensitivity usually passes quickly, within a few days.
Are teeth whitening treatments causing long term side effects? ›
Although teeth whitening rarely causes long term damage, temporary sensitivity is not uncommon. If you experience any discomfort following your treatment, your dentist can help you minimize irritation in the future.
How to stop zingers after whitening? ›
To reduce the occurrence of zingers, patients can use a desensitizing toothpaste before and after the treatment. They can also avoid hot or cold drinks and food for a few days after the treatment. The good news is that this sensitivity does not last very long.
How long do zingers last after teeth whitening? ›
Zingers are sudden, sharp zaps in a tooth that some people may experience after tooth whitening. They usually last for a few seconds at a time. These can occur during the whitening procedure and may last for a day or two after treatment.
What are the signs of permanent nerve damage from a tooth? ›
One of the most common symptoms of dental nerve damage is numbness or loss of sensation in the affected area. This may manifest as a loss of feeling in the lips, tongue, gums, or cheeks, and it can cause a person to experience serious difficulty speaking, eating, or drinking.
What are the symptoms of permanent tooth nerve damage? ›
The signs of nerve damage include:
- A dull ache near the gum line.
- Discomfort when eating.
- Pain following exposure to hot or cold temperatures.
- Acute pain targeting a single tooth.
- Pain that radiates throughout the mouth.
In many instances, nerve damage cannot be cured entirely. But there are various treatments that can reduce your symptoms. Because nerve damage is often progressive, it is important to consult with a doctor when you first notice symptoms. That way you can reduce the likelihood of permanent damage.
Some home kits don't contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.
What happens if you whiten your teeth too long? ›
While teeth whitening can be a great way to brighten your smile and increase your confidence, it is possible to overdo it. Risks associated with too much whitening include tooth and gum sensitivity, discoloration, and even enamel degradation.
Who should not use teeth whitening? ›
Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product. Gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, and exposed roots. Individuals with gum disease or teeth with worn enamel are generally discouraged from undergoing a tooth-whitening procedure.
Does dental nerve damage go away? ›
In some cases, nerve pain in the tooth can go away on its own if the cause of it is temporary. For example, nerve pain from a cracked tooth may go away if the crack does not deepen and the nerve is left undamaged. However, nerve pain from decay, trauma, or infection will likely not go away on its own.
Can nerve damage from dental work be repaired? ›
While most nerve damage is always accidental, negligence by a dentist during a dental procedure can also result in dental nerve damage. With treatment, dental nerve damage can heal in six to eight weeks. If, however, the effects last more than six months, then it is considered permanent nerve damage.
Is nerve damage after dental work permanent? ›
It's important to understand the difference between temporary and permanent nerve damage. If a nerve is bruised when your dentist performs your procedure, your nerve will heal just like any bruise. However, if the nerve is cut, the nerve can not heal naturally and the result is permanent nerve damage.
Can damaged tooth nerve recover? ›
Nerve Damage Does Not Heal Itself…
There may be times where a dentist could identify techniques to reverse minor nerve pain, but only when there is mild inflammation. When symptoms are minor and the root of the tooth is exposed, a dental filling is considered by the dentist.
