It is however good to note that in whatever method you are going to use, application of a bleach formula to your teeth and gums introduces powerful solutions to your mouth and have the potential of causing some discomfort if utmost care is not taken.

Many people looking for a whiter smile have had to deal with the unpleasant issue of dental sensitivity with almost every method they have tried to use. Dr. Rod Kurty, DDS, a renowned expert in the field of whitening science says, “how severe the reaction is depends on each individual and three important factors: Genetics, bleach stability and acidic reaction.”

Why your teeth become sensitive

Woman having teeth whitening procedure

Your tooth contains millions of microscopic dentinal tubules that run from the nerve inside the tooth to the outside of it. Inside these tiny tubes is a fluid and when this fluid moves inside there is some sensitivity. Minerals from saliva normally plug up the open outer ends of the tubes, preventing fluid movement and sensitivity. All bleaching gels tend to dissolve these “plugs” allowing the fluid in the tubes to move and cause sensitivity

Genetics

There some people who have just a minor reaction whereas others have such a serious and painful one and doctors believe this has a lot to do with genetics. Most everyone seems to have a different reaction. Apparently fair-haired and fair-skinned folks tend to experience the highest degrees of sensitivity. But people with various dental problems are also at risk (that’s why so many dentists recommend a thorough exam and history before moving forward with powerful teeth whitening techniques.) Genetics can play such a major role in dental sensitivity that some people may never be good candidates for teeth whitening although there is significant progress in addressing this problem.

Bleach Stability

Putting your sense of imagination to play should reveal to you how strong a whitening gel has to be in order to change the color of your teeth. This simply makes the manufacture of dental grade bleach formula such a tricky affair. There has to be such a delicate balancing act because if they are made too powerful it will be a challenge to maintain them at that peak strength throughout the blending, storage and shipping process while on the other hand is they make them too weak they wont be effective at all. That’s why the people who make whitening formulas aim for something in the middle – literally – the goal of most whitening gel scientists is to create shelf-stable bleach with a completely neutral acid/alkaline ratio or pH. Therefore if you are considering bleaching your teeth with just one of those strange methods you need to think about the science that needs to go into creating a more beautiful smile.

Acid Reaction

Most of the sensitive reactions that you go through may be caused by the overall action of the bleach on enamel, dentin and gums. The acids can get to reach the inside of your tooth because of consistent minor dental problems such as chips, cracks, and decay or the daily consumption of acidic foods and beverages. Some of these foods and beverages include sodas, candies and etc which will finally weaken the tooth enamel to make it easier for acids to reach inside the tooth and dissolve the little plugs at the end of your tubes. For this reason good hygiene and a good diet make a difference in keeping sensitivity at bay. Regular cleaning, flossing (plaque removal) and examination catch small issues as they occur – minimizing the chance for damage to the inside of your teeth.

How to Treat Teeth Whitening Sensitivity

Currently there is a lot of interest in the issue of sensitivity of teeth in the cosmetic industry of teeth whitening because everyone wants at least a sensible, affordable and reliable way to minimize if not completely eliminate the problem. There are some whitening formulas today that come with desensitizing agents whereas others come as solo medications that your dentist can apply during the whitening procedure.   Some dentists utilize desensitizing methods after whitening; one system now performs desensitizing techniques before and after.

One of the most popular desensitizing agents is fluoride which acts on your dentinal tubes and temporarily reduces their sizes which in effect slightly reduces the fluid movement in tubes. Potassium nitrate is another popular agent. It actually works its way into the center of your tooth (the pulp) and has a numbing action that may reduce discomfort. It tends to work better on some than others. However it doesn’t do anything to reduce the tooth nerve inflammation caused by fluid movement in the tubes.

A lot of research is currently going on about the use of a compound known as amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). ACP helps to strengthen the enamel, but seems to do little to plug the open ends of the dentin tubes.

There are other desensitizers that rapidly build new plugs in the open ended tubes which are proving to be more successful at stopping the fluid movement in the tubes and preventing bleaching sensitivity.

You can also opt to use over the counter anti-inflammatories just in the case that desensitizers are not successful. These are basically day to day pain relievers such as ibuprofen which wok to minimize inflammation or irritated tooth nerves. This will in turn help reduce additional discomfort and sensitivity that is felt by some people. If you experience inflammation, your dentist may give you something before and/or after your procedure – or recommend that you follow through at home.

Having a whiter smile can create real feelings of confidence and self-esteem for people, but alongside the advantages may come the discomfort of sensitivity. But, with a little education and awareness, you can help to make sure you experience the brighter side of whitening – whether you opt for do-it-yourself techniques or seek the help of your dentist. Keep smiling!