How to Whiten Your Sensitive Teeth
When you have sensitive teeth, there are a lot of things you can't do. You aren't able to chew ice, you have to be very careful about extreme hot or cold temperatures, and you often can't use traditional teeth whitening procedures. Even the regular whitening tooth paste and whitening strips that others use can be harsh on your teeth, leading to more severe pain than what the average person experiences. However, just because you have sensitive teeth, doesn't mean all hope is lost. The following tips provide some different ways to whiten your teeth.
Use the Right Toothpaste
Before you get any type of teeth whitening done, whether at home or by the dentist, you need to prepare your teeth for the procedure. You can do this by using a toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate. This actually helps to reduce the pressure on your nerves and improves the minerals in your teeth, which helps to strengthen the enamel and keep them from being quite as sensitive. Use a toothpaste with potassium nitrate for a while before you get whitening done. Your dentist can recommend a good toothpaste, or you can look at toothpaste brands that are labeled for sensitive teeth.
Ask Your Dentist
With sensitive teeth, it is usually better to stay away from the home whitening products at first. These products are meant for the average person with healthy gums, no cavities, and strong teeth. When you have sensitive teeth, it is recommended that you instead talk to your dentist about your concerns and mention you want to get whitening done without all the added pain. In many cases, you can get laser whitening done in the office, but use a whitening gel with less concentration. The dentist might also recommend getting laser whitening done, but having the laser placed on your teeth for less amount of time during each session. There are also some in-office tray whitening procedures that use a high-concentration fluoride gel to protect the enamel from pain while getting whitening done.
Be Patient
If you have sensitive teeth, it might simply take a little longer to have your teeth as white as you want. It may come down to more sessions for whitening in the office or using the home tray less often and for less time than what the average person is able to do. You can get whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth which might also take a little longer, but also causes less pain.
For more information, talk with a dentist, like one from Southport Dental.
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