This is an automatically translated article.
The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital. Dr. Hien has more than 12 years of experience in the field of Odonto-Stomatology, especially in the treatment of dental pathology, orthodontics and dental prosthetics.
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that gives you the confidence of whiter teeth. However, many people experience tooth sensitivity when whitening. If not corrected in time, it will have a great impact on daily life, eating and oral health.
1. What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening at the dentist is a method of using bleach to sweep on the outer surface of the teeth, through the combination with a bleaching lamp, it will form a redox reaction, separating the protein color chains attached to it. The tooth surface makes teeth whiter.
2. Why does tooth sensitivity appear after teeth whitening?
Tooth sensitivity after whitening is a common phenomenon in many people after teeth whitening. Although, the nature of teeth whitening is only the impact on the outer surface of the enamel, so it does not affect the teeth at all.
The reason for tooth sensitivity when whitening is because the drug is affecting the enamel. Normally, the feeling of tooth sensitivity is quite small, it may be sensitive to teeth in episodes, after a few hours after bleaching, the feeling will disappear.
However, there are still cases where tooth sensitivity lasts longer than usual, it may be caused by the following problems:
2.1 Due to weak tooth base In order to have white teeth, it is necessary to use the effect of teeth whitening agents. In the composition of teeth whitening products, there will be bleaching ingredients, which work to dislodge molecules that change tooth color, making teeth whiter. Under the influence of these active ingredients, it will more or less cause the teeth to be impacted, causing irritation.
For people with strong teeth, there should be no problem. However, for people with weak tooth base, teeth are sensitive after teeth whitening.
Besides, if you are suffering from dental diseases such as: Root inflammation, gingivitis (gingivitis), enamel wear, tooth decay... if it is not completely cured before teeth whitening, it will do Teeth are sensitive under the impact of teeth whitening agents.
2.2 Bad teeth whitening technique The teeth whitening process is not guaranteed as well as the quality bleaching agent is also one of the causes of tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening.
If during the teeth whitening operation, the medicine maker gets stuck on the gums, which will cause a stinging and sensitive feeling around the teeth. So, before going to whiten teeth, you need to make sure you don't have any diseases related to your teeth, don't have ulcers, inflammation,...
2.3 Bleach concentration exceeds the safe threshold If you do not go to reputable medical facilities, clinics, underground clinics or use bleach of unknown origin, it will be very dangerous. With rudimentary and manual bleaching methods, bleaching ingredients with high concentrations are often used to bring about quick results. With higher concentrations, teeth will be whiter and brighter faster, but with a stronger level of sensitivity.
3. How to reduce sensitivity after teeth whitening?
After teeth whitening, sensitivity in the first few hours can be assured, but if tooth sensitivity after whitening lasts for a long time, you can follow the suggested measures below to reduce sensitivity. , the effect is obvious.
3.1 Take medicine as directed by the doctor It is best to talk about your problem, ask your doctor to prescribe an oral or topical medication to reduce tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening
Currently on the market There are many types of topical gels and pills available at drugstores to help reduce tooth sensitivity after whitening. It is important to remember to use the correct dosage according to the instructions, do not arbitrarily decide to increase or decrease the dose of the drug or the amount of gel to apply to avoid dangerous complications.
3.2 Using garlic will help reduce sensitivity You can immediately use garlic to reduce tooth sensitivity when whitening. Garlic contains allicin, which reduces pain, and fluoride, which helps restore dentin and protect teeth, against external stimuli, thereby reducing sensitivity.
Take a garlic clove, cut it into thin slices and gently rub it on your teeth for 2-3 minutes, then rinse your mouth with water, the sensitivity will decrease quickly.
3.3 Physiological saline It is recommended to buy physiological saline solution at pharmacies, because of the moderate level of salt, it is not recommended to make it yourself at home because homemade saline may mix the wrong concentration of alcohol and the salt water may not be safe. sterile guarantee.
Take salt water to suck and gargle for 5 minutes, done 3-4 times a day is also a simple way to do it at home to reduce tooth sensitivity.
3.4 Regular oral hygiene and proper brushing Cleaning and brushing is also something to pay attention to to avoid causing sensitivity after teeth whitening. Should choose brush products with soft bristles so as not to damage the outer enamel covering the teeth and still be able to clean plaque.
Brush teeth at least twice a day with a special toothpaste for sensitive teeth that contains Strontium Acetate or Potassium Nitrate. You can get advice from your doctor.
Other notes:
After teeth whitening, it is necessary to limit eating foods, drinks that are too hot or cold, acidic foods such as carbonated soft drinks, lemonade,... Acidic foods Acid can cause erosion of tooth enamel, damaging the tooth surface, contributing to the phenomenon of tooth sensitivity and sensitivity. To avoid sensitivity after teeth whitening occurs, it is advisable to learn and choose reputable teeth whitening dentists, highly skilled and experienced doctors to ensure the implementation of the bleaching process. white in the safest way.
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