Teeth whitening is an effective and affordable way to instantly makeover your smile. By minimizing stains and whitening the teeth by several shades, this treatment can make you feel more confident when you smile.

Dr. John Rink offers in-office and at-home teeth whitening options at our Charleston, SC, practice. But, one concern that patients have is if treatment will make their teeth more sensitive. In this blog post, we discuss how to prevent sensitivity after teeth whitening so you can achieve great results comfortably and quickly.

Consider At-home Whitening Instead of In-office

In-office whitening treatments have a higher concentration of whitening ingredients. The benefit of this is that patients can achieve dramatic results in just two hours. The downside is that, particularly for those with sensitive teeth, in-office treatment can increase the risk of sensitivity during and after treatment.

Our at-home whitening product is still effective, but it contains a lower concentration of whitening ingredients. This reduces sensitivity. In addition, patients can leave the product in contact with their teeth for shorter periods of time, further reducing discomfort.

To achieve their desired results, patients will need to continue to use their teeth whitening kit for a few days or a few weeks. When you receive your kit at our Charleston practice, Dr. Rink will advise you on how long to apply the whitening product to your teeth each day.

Take Pain Medication

For patients undergoing in-office treatment, try taking over-the-counter pain medication 30 minutes prior to your treatment. You can continue to use pain medication for a couple of days after treatment to reduce any discomfort caused by your teeth whitening treatment.

Avoid Hot and Cold Foods and Drinks

For two to three days after treatment, avoid eating and drinking extremely hot or cold foods and drinks. These can exacerbate sensitivity in the days after treatment.

Avoid Crunchy or Sticky Foods

Crunchy and sticky foods can also aggravate your sensitive teeth after teeth whitening. Try eating softer foods for a couple of days to limit discomfort.

Use Sensitive Formula Toothpaste

A sensitive formula toothpaste such as Sensodyne can relieve and protect against sensitivity. Consider switching to a sensitive formula toothpaste in the days or weeks before your teeth whitening treatment. Continue using the sensitive formula toothpaste in the days after teeth whitening to minimize discomfort.

Use a Soft-bristled Toothbrush

Make sure that you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect your teeth. This is especially important after teeth whitening treatment.

In addition, brush your teeth thoroughly, but lightly. Some patients brush too hard and aggressively, which can contribute to tooth sensitivity.

By using a soft-bristled toothbrush, sensitive formula toothpaste, and a light touch, patients can reduce discomfort and maintain the health of their teeth.

Contact Our Practice

To find out if in-office or at-home teeth whitening is right for you, schedule a consultation at our practice. You can call us in Charleston at (843) 766-1132 or contact us online. Dr. Rink will examine your mouth, recommend the best course of treatment, and help prevent sensitivity after teeth whitening.