Stains can form on teeth for a variety of reasons such as tobacco use or years of frequent exposure to richly colored foods and beverages. These blemishes can distract observers from the beauty of your smile and make it difficult to grin proudly at work and in social situations. While professional teeth whitening treatments from your dentist can address stubborn discoloration, some patients may experience mild and temporary dental sensitivity afterward. Here’s how to keep your teeth comfortable after whitening.
How Do Dental Stains Form?
Dental stains and discoloration can develop due to factors like:
- Pigments, tannins, and dyes: Foods of rich color like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, candy, and dark sauces can leave unsightly stains in your enamel.
- Acid exposure: Some research suggests that an acidic environment in the mouth leaves teeth more vulnerable to staining.
- Tobacco use: Smoking, chewing, or dipping can leave nicotine stains and brown accumulations on your teeth.
- Age: Older teeth generally have thinner enamel and more stains, which can make them more yellowish.
- Antibiotics: Using tetracycline as a child has been linked to permanent tooth discoloration.
How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?
Dentists can administer two forms of teeth whitening treatment, and the right one for you depends on your needs and preferences. In either case, the process is incredibly noninvasive and typically requires no anesthesia. Your provider may recommend:
- An in-office procedure: Your dentist can perform a treatment that can significantly brighten your smile in about an hour.
- A take-home kit: These include customized dental trays and professional-grade whitening gel to produce significant results in about two weeks.
Both these treatments can safely brighten your grin by up to eight shades, and the results will be much more dramatic and long-lasting than those of store-bought teeth bleaching products.
How Can I Prevent Dental Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?
The stain-fighting agents in professional-grade whitening gel are quite powerful, and they can cause a patient to develop mild dental sensitivity after treatment. This problem should go away on its own after a few days, but you can manage the issue by using over-the-counter pain medication or desensitizing toothpaste and avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages until you can enjoy them comfortably. It’s also best to stick to a diet of mild white foods and drinks for a few days to prevent new stains from forming.
Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is the best way to stay comfortable after teeth whitening. If your sensitivity persists after four days or if it seems to be getting worse, contact their office for assistance.
About the Author
Dr. Tony Lee earned his dental degree at the UMMC School of Dentistry and has completed extensive continuing education coursework to refine his skillset. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His office in St. Augustine offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening. To schedule your consultation for teeth whitening, contact his office online or dial (904) 808-8779.