Dr. Ned Shimizu offers Zoom! in-office whitening and professional-strength take-home whitening options at his office in Houston, TX. An Accredited Fellow of the AACD, he has over 28 years of experience in cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
These five tips can help you minimize sensitivity after your treatment.
1. Use Toothpaste Made for Sensitive Teeth
A desensitizing toothpaste may help reduce discomfort. These products contain special ingredients that interfere with the transmission of sensations from the tooth surface toward the nerve.
Some desensitizing toothpastes work best with regular use. Follow the product directions and keep in mind that one brushing might not be enough for significant relief.
2. Give Your Teeth a Break
More whitening isn’t always better. Continuing to whiten teeth while they’re already sensitive can make the problem harder to ignore.
If sensitivity develops, avoid additional whitening until you’ve followed your dentist’s instructions. With at-home treatments, it’s also important to follow the guidelines provided rather than increasing the frequency or amount of whitening gel on your own.
3. Skip Very Hot or Cold Foods for a While
Ice water, hot coffee, frozen desserts, and steaming foods can feel surprisingly intense after whitening. Choosing lukewarm drinks and foods closer to room temperature may make eating and drinking more comfortable until the sensitivity settles. A soft-bristled toothbrush can also help you clean your teeth without adding unnecessary irritation.
4. Keep Fluoride in Your Routine
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps protect teeth from decay, while desensitizing toothpaste can offer added help when sensitivity is an issue.
5. Know When Sensitivity Needs a Dental Exam
Temporary sensitivity from whitening is one thing. Sharp pain, symptoms limited to one tooth, worsening discomfort, or sensitivity that doesn’t settle may have another cause, such as a cavity, crack, worn filling, gum problem, or exposed root.
Discuss Teeth Whitening Options in Houston, TX
For guidance on whitening comfortably, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ned Shimizu in Houston, TX. Contact his office at 281-531-0710 to discuss professional whitening and any sensitivity concerns.
