A smile can change the aura around you in a split second. But what would you do if your teeth aren’t that white? Worse, what would you do about it if you have sensitive teeth? If you didn’t have the latter, you could have gone for teeth whitening. But could you still do that? Why or why not?

The problem with having sensitive teeth is, you cannot enjoy most things, regardless of whether they are served hot or cold. Either would cause immense pain throughout your teeth and jaw, and could last for a while depending on how severe the sensitivity is. But, that is not the end of the road for you. If you understand how it works, you can actually do anything you like without worrying about that painful sensation at all.

What’s Tooth Sensitivity, Actually

Your teeth have protective layers, which are commonly known as cementum or enamel. When these layers are worn down, another layer, called the dentin, is exposed. This layer has connections with the nerves under the teeth. When exposed to anything that is too hot or too cold than what your teeth can take, you would feel pain throughout them. This weardown may happen due to having foods or beverages that are acidic in nature, brushing too hard, or even grinding your teeth.

Teeth Whitening Products You Can Choose

If you have sensitivity issues, you certainly can’t go for all teeth whitening products. Yet there are a few that you can go for, such as:

Whitening Strips/Gels with Low-Concentration: These are specifically manufactured for those with sensitive teeth. The low concentration refers to low density of bleaching agents that can otherwise cause immense irritation.

Whitening Toothpaste: These toothpaste generally come with potassium nitrate/stannous fluoride as their ingredients which are known to desensitize teeth and reduce any pain due to eating or drinking afterwards.

Professional Whitening Treatments: Your dentist can also carry out a range of procedures that can help desensitize the pain and reduce the discomfort. They may carry out these procedures before as well as after the teeth whitening procedures, depending on the level of sensitivity.

Preparing Your Teeth for Whitening

· You must first ensure that your teeth do not have any problems, including cavities or gum diseases. If there is some, work with your dentist to build up some resistance first.

· Once that is done, you will be ready to start the procedure. Follow everything your dentist tells you to do, including time taken for a certain action, how to follow it up, and how frequently to repeat the same.

· Do not use a hard brush while your treatment is going on. Go for a soft-bristled brush instead.

· Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water, which will help lessen any pain you experience during the procedure.

The results will certainly start showing up, and would definitely be exactly how you imagined them. There will be a few more things you will need to do, though.

Follow Up Precautions

· While your dentist will do everything that is needed to keep you aware of everything and advise certain precautions, it wouldn’t hurt to know about a few of them beforehand. These include:

· Keep using a toothpaste that helps desensitize the pain for a while, or until your dentist says otherwise.

· Maintain a good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. You can also use a fluoride mouthwash if you want, though despite being helpful, that will not be mandatory.

· Go for regular dental check-ups, which will help your dentist keep the progress in check at all times.

Get in touch with your dentist today to get started!