Question

Which teeth whitening method is best for sensitive teeth?

i am concerned that teeth whitening is too harsh for my gums and teeth.  I have very sensitive teeth.  cold and hot temps included.
A.S, Morristown, NJ


Asked by: Anonymous

Answers (3)

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1
September 13, 2007

Ask your dentist to help with sensitive teeth issues

There are many ways your dentist can help with sensitive teeth today, as de-sensitizing products are now available that help with this. Since everyone is different, and depending on the amount of tooth wear or levels of sensitivity, your dentist can adjust their technique and recommend the best ways to minimize this for you.

2
August 9, 2007

How to deal with sensitive teeth

Sensitivity mainly depends on the individual’s teeth and some are just more sensitive than others.

However, here at the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry we specialise in whitening treatments that use very little hydrogen peroxide (this is what can cause sensitivity) but achieve fabulous results (as if we were using a high percentage) due to the technology we apply to do the whitening. For example, we have the UltraSonic whitening, a favourite with the Hollywood A-list, which uses sound waves, instead of the usual ultraviolet light to breakdown the stain molecules on the teeth.

If you have your teeth whitened and they are a little sensitive, I would recommend not eating anything too hot or too cold for a few days, nothing too sugary or hard (like a boiled sweet) and brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. If the sensitivity continues you should go back to the dentist who did the whitening.

If you are doing a whitening kit at home and your teeth/gums start to hurt, I would recommend that you stop and do the above. However, with today’s technology and at a reputable dentistry you should only be getting very minor or no sensitivity.

3
July 24, 2007

Over the counter pain medications can help with sensitive teeth

A small percentage of patients experience sensitivity regardless of the system used, whether it is over-the-counter strips, trays, or in-office. To minimize pain, take two Advil, an excellent anti-inflammatory, one half hour before the whitening procedure.

Choose the in-office whitening, which produces significantly less sensitivity than other methods because the hypersensitive areas of the teeth are masked.

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