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
In particular, if your teeth feel extra sensitive after bleaching them, it can be disconcerting—but don't worry: It's not permanent! Here's what causes this sensitivity and how to treat it if it happens to you.
Does teeth whitening make teeth permanently sensitive? ›
Will Teeth Whitening Make My Teeth Sensitive? Most people who have their teeth whitened will experience some minor sensitivity for a few days after their treatment. This is normal, and usually begins to fade quite quickly.
Can teeth whitening cause permanent nerve damage? ›
In some cases, this sensitivity can be painful and last for several days. In rare instances, it may even lead to permanent nerve damage.
Can teeth whitening cause permanent damage? ›
Some of these effects are lasting; for example the damage to the dental enamel is permanent and irreversible. There is also an obvious risk of overuse or abuse when applying over-the-counter bleaching products such as strips, paint-ons or trays.
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.
Do teeth become weak after whitening? ›
Teeth are thought to become more sensitive after whitening because the whitener weakens the teeth slightly, exposing “dentinal microtubules” that connect the outside of the tooth to the nerves inside.
How do you fix sensitive teeth after whitening? ›
Use fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth twice a day after brushing to help promote re-mineralization.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is best to be gentle when brushing after your teeth whitening treatment. ...
- Avoid exposure to hot and cold drinks or food. ...
- Apply a sensitive teeth toothpaste. ...
- Mouthwash.
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.
Although they can effectively whiten your teeth, whitening strips can start to damage your teeth if you wear them too long and too often. Wearing whitening strips for too long increases your risk for tooth sensitivity.
What happens if you whiten your teeth too long? ›
Sometimes, over-whitening can lead to constant tooth sensitivity and a lot of pain. Gum Irritation – If too much of the whitening solution makes contact with the gum tissue it can cause irritation.
Is it bad to whiten your teeth every year? ›
Dentists recommend getting whitening treatment once a year or so for most patients to keep their smiles looking aesthetically pleasing. Whitening teeth too often could cause certain oral health concerns, such as worn-down enamel.
Why am I suddenly having sensory issues? ›
“This is usually due to a mental health or medical condition. However, it can also occur when you are tired or hungry.” When the brain is overwhelmed by something, it enters the fight, flight or freeze mode in response. Situations, sights, sounds, textures and smells can trigger sensory overload.
What are the symptoms of a failed sensory system? ›
Physical symptoms:
- Impaired coordination.
- Bumping into things.
- Overly sensitive to, or incapable of sensing, touch.
- Abnormally high or low pain threshold.
- Fine and/or gross motor delays.
- Avoids eating certain foods due to texture or consistency.
Here are a few things a dentist might do to help avoid sensory overload: Schedule a desensitization appointment (see next section) Schedule the main appointment at a time that is less busy. Use the patient's favorite toothpaste flavor—a taste sensation that they're already comfortable with.
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.
Can tooth nerve damage go away? ›
Tooth nerve pain rarely resolves on its own. It only subsides once the underlying cause of nerve damage is corrected. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a dentist promptly for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Can you get permanent nerve damage from dental anesthesia? ›
INCIDENCE OF NEUROTOXICITY OF LOCAL ANESTHETICS
Most of these complications are transient sensory deficits, and permanent nerve injury is rare [15,16,17]. Other studies on neurological complications with peripheral nerve block have shown that the risk of nerve injury is between 0.02% and 0.5%.
