7 Tips in Dealing with Sensitivity after Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most common kinds of cosmetic treatments for teeth in Australia. Teeth whitening can improve your smile and brighten your teeth when it’s performed by a trained professional dentist. Our Ashburton dentist can help you understand how teeth whitening works, what options are available and talk through any questions or concerns you may have.

Follow your dentist’s instructions to a tee

As a general rule, it is important to follow the dentist’s instructions during your teeth whitening treatment. You should also be aware that some dental solutions may only be minimally invasive procedures and they are cosmetic treatments. So, be sure to closely follow the dentist’s instructions during the procedure and after-care advice to minimize your chances of severe sensitivity or any other issues afterward. Starting with this blog before your teeth whitening consultation is definitely a good idea!

If you have any questions about your teeth whitening treatment or how to care for them after it has been completed, feel free to ask your dentist!

Avoid hot or cold temperatures

Hot or cold temperatures are a surefire way to trigger sensitivity, so stop icing your drinks at least for a few days. It can actually help to use a straw and avoid touching your teeth with beverages as much as possible. Remember this when brushing your teeth, keep the water lukewarm or at room temperature.

Avoid foods that are too hot or cold for too long after the procedure. If you must eat something hot immediately after, try keeping it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before placing it on your plate to reduce the temperature of the food, thus reducing any discomfort that may occur.

When eating cold foods, use an ice pack on your neck and apply it directly to your gums. This will help reduce any pain you might feel while eating and will allow you to enjoy meals without experiencing any discomfort or pain in your mouth.

Use a gentle, sensitive toothpaste

If you have had a teeth whitening treatment, your dentist may also recommend that you use specific toothpastes to help protect your gums and teeth. This is because the bleaching procedures used during this time can be quite harsh on the gums and teeth.

If you have been using sensitive toothpaste for too long, it may start to irritate your gums. This can lead to white spots on your teeth or irritated gums that bleed when you brush them. It’s important to stop using this type of toothpaste once your gums start to feel irritated or bleed if they don’t stop within a week or two. If this happens, talk to your dentist immediately so they can advise how long you should keep using the sensitive toothpaste before reducing its usage again.

Use a soft-bristled brush

When you have had teeth whitening treatment, your teeth may feel sensitive to the touch. In addition to using more gentle, sensitive toothpaste, it is ideal that you also use a more gentle brush for teeth cleaning. A soft bristle toothbrush is most suitable for use after getting teeth whitening treatment. When it comes to technique, be sure not to brush too hard or use too much pressure on your teeth during this time.

Once you have finished brushing your teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush, rinse them under warm water so that they are completely clean and free from any residue left behind by the bristles of the brush. Then dry them with a tissue or cloth and store them away in an upright position so that they are not exposed to dust and dirt over time.

Take topical painkillers

If the sensitivity is making you uncomfortable at work or at home, you may use topical, over the counter painkillers for relief. Follow the instructions and limits as mentioned on the packet, or as prescribed.

There are a few different types of topical painkillers available. Some are designed for long term use and others for immediate relief. The best choice depends on your condition and how it affects your daily life.

Alcohol-based creams are often used for minor skin irritations such as razor burn or bug bites. It works by killing bacteria that cause infection by drying out the area and allowing it to heal more quickly.

Lotions with corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone) are very effective in reducing inflammation caused by rashes or minor burns. They can also reduce swelling after an injury such as muscle sprains or bruises.

Topical drugs containing lidocaine also provide fast relief from minor aches and pains while they numb the skin so they don’t cause any discomfort when applied over your skin. Lidocaine works by blocking nerve impulses so there is no feeling of pain when applied topically to the affected area.

Go easy on yourself

The good news is that most patients experience some level of sensitivity following a teeth whitening treatment but the bad news is it usually subsides completely in a day or two. If you find yourself leaning into stress, take a deep breath and be easy on yourself. This will pass.

It’s normal to feel anxious about having your teeth whitened. The process itself may not appear so bad (after all, it’s just like a regular cleaning), but there are some things that can trigger an anxiety attack. For example, if you’re worried about how dark your teeth will look after their first round of bleaching, then this could lead to some serious anxiety.

In addition to having specific negative thoughts about your appearance, some people have other issues related to this procedure as well — such as being afraid of pain because they’ve never had laser treatments before or being afraid of touching their own gums after having them shaved down.

Contact a professional if pain persists

If you have taken the above measures and the sensitivity is worsening, causing you pain or is persisting after 48 hours take no chances and contact our Ashburton dentist for emergency dental care and advice. You may be experiencing a reaction that requires urgent treatment. This is very rare and we will do everything we can to treat the pain and ensure a smooth recovery.

If you have a serious allergic reaction to any of the materials used in our practice we can prescribe antihistamines, steroids or even adrenaline in extreme cases. We will also need to know if you have any other allergies such as latex, plastic or rubber in order to avoid cross-reaction with other substances such as toothpastes that contain these ingredients.

Conclusion

Our dental team offers a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services and treatments, including teeth whitening, veneers, crowns and bridges, dental implants and more. Our Ashwood dental practice has been in operation more than 40 year, providing quality care to our patients. We also offer general dentistry services such as oral hygiene instruction, root canal therapy and other general treatments that can help you achieve your best smile.

Our team is committed to helping you look your best. We are dedicated to providing high-quality treatment for every patient who walks through our doors. Our dentist in Ashburton is an expert in cosmetic dentistry and offers a wide range of cosmetic services including teeth whitening. Our experienced team will work with you one-on-one to ensure that you receive the best possible results from your treatment plan. If you are interested in teeth whitening treatment or cosmetic dentistry to achieve a whiter and brighter smile, book a consultation with our dentist in Ashburton today!