If you’re having your teeth whitened in Stamford at Clear Smile Dental Studio, you may already know that minor teeth sensitivity is common for a few days after your appointment. How can you deal with this, and stay comfortable after you’ve had your teeth whitened? Let’s go over our top 5 tips.
1. LET YOUR DENTIST KNOW IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE TEETH
First, you should let Dr. Kwon or Dr. Park know if your teeth tend to be sensitive. Patients who already have sensitive teeth can have more severe sensitivity after teeth whitening. But the good news is that there are ways that Dr. Kwon or Dr. Park can help with this.
For example, they may use a less intense whitening compound, schedule multiple appointments for your comfort, or use special desensitizers to keep you comfortable during and after your treatment. If you’re sensitivity-prone, make sure to tell your Stamford dentist before your appointment!
2. SWITCH TO ANTI SENSITIVITY TOOTHPASTE LIKE SENSODYNE
Anti sensitivity toothpaste like Sensodyne contains special ingredients that help reduce sensitivity from all sources, including whitening-induced teeth sensitivity. If you’re worried about sensitivity, switching to anti sensitivity toothpaste a few days before your treatment and using it after your treatment is a good idea.
3. MAINTAIN A GOOD ORAL HYGIENE ROUTINE
You should continue brushing at least 2-3 times a day for at least 2 minutes, using fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps rebuild the enamel and strengthens it, which helps reduce whitening-induced teeth sensitivity.
If brushing your teeth hurts, you may also want to switch to a brush with very soft bristles. Swapping from an electric toothbrush to a manual toothbrush might also help, since the vibrations of an electric toothbrush could cause some discomfort.
4. AVOID REALLY HOT OR COLD FOODS AND DRINKS
Avoid drinking boiling hot coffee or tea, and skip the ice cream. Sensitivity is worse with really hot and cold foods or drinks, so changing your diet and habits for a few days will help you cope with your sensitivity more easily.
5. TAKE OVER-THE-COUNTER PAINKILLERS
Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can help with tooth sensitivity. You can take pain medication before your whitening appointment, and continue to take it as directed on the package after your whitening treatment is complete.
If you are experiencing a lot of sensitivity right after your treatment, you may also want to look into topical treatments like Orajel. These can numb your gums and teeth slightly, which helps you deal with sensitivity.
READY FOR A BRIGHTER SMILE? CONTACT CLEAR SMILE DENTAL STUDIO TODAY!
At Clear Smile Dental Studio, Dr. Kwon and Dr. Park are standing by to help you get the smile you deserve in Stamford. Teeth whitening is an excellent way to reverse stains and get started with cosmetic dentistry in Stamford. So if you’re interested in a brighter smile, don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (475) 473-9873. We’re always accepting new patients.
