Thanks to the efforts of Hollywood there’s nothing Americans love better than a beautiful white smile. Being able to fearlessly whip out your pearly whites and give someone a winning smile can give you an incredible sense of confidence. This obsession with the whitest of smiles has led to an entire industry of whitening products and techniques that we can use to pursue that perfect white smile. Unfortunately for some people, these products can leave their teeth feeling tingly and sensitive if they aren’t careful. If you have sensitive teeth and are looking for a viable whitening option, it may pay to speak to your dentist. In the meantime, you may want to consider some of the following options.
The Basics of Teeth Whitening
Your local pharmacy’s dental aisle is going to be home to a dizzying array of options you can use to whiten your teeth. The most basic tools involve the use of whitening toothpaste or mouthwash to help start you on your road to whiter teeth. Some of these even have sensitive tooth options to help protect your teeth while you whiten. Some of the harsher varieties include gel trays or whitening strips that you apply to your teeth for up to an hour to get a whiter smile. For those with sensitive teeth, these can often lead to an aching sensation as the chemicals used in the process aggravate your nerves.
Whitening In The Clinic
Sometimes the staining on your teeth is severe enough that a simple trip to the dental aisle isn’t going to be sufficient to restore the beautiful white shine of your teeth. When this is the case it’s time to speak to your dentist and see what options they have available for you. Many of the options that dentists have are usable on those who have sensitive teeth, though their whitening trays aren’t likely to be an option. Thankfully there are laser whitening techniques that should be gentle enough to do the job, only your dentist is going to know for sure.
Will My Teeth Always Be Sensitive?
This depends largely on why your teeth are sensitive, to begin with. If your teeth are sensitive from over-whitening it’s possible that you’ve caused sufficient damage that they are going to remain sensitive. Your dentist will likely have some options to help you soothe that sensitivity but you may have an issue with hot and cold for some time to come. This is why it is essential for you to take care with whitening products to make sure you don’t permanently harm your teeth.
Should I try Teeth Whitening?
If you don’t suffer from sensitive teeth then there’s no reason for you not to try to whiten your teeth. Just make sure that you take care with it so you don’t cause your teeth to become sensitive. On the other hand, those with sensitive teeth should speak to their dentist to determine what types of whitening procedures may work for them.
If you’re looking for advice on how to handle sensitive teeth then pick up the phone and give the experts at Southwest Family Dentistry a Call. Dr. John Batlle helps patients in the Lake City, FL area tackle their toughest whitening problems every day, and he’s sure to have a solution for you, so call now!
