Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment employed to improve the overall appearance of the teeth. Smiling with your white teeth shining bright, is a dream that a lot of us have. However, this is not possible for those who have teeth casualties. Teeth whiteners are the most preferred when it comes to having teeth that sparkle, thereby enhancing one’s appearance. Tooth sensitivity is a discomfort or an uneasy feeling in one or more teeth. This discomfort erupts when you consume something that is hot, cold, sweet, or extremely sharp. Aerated drinks are also considered responsible for elevating the effects of teeth sensitivity. The pain and the tingling sensation that is felt can be sudden and sharp, or one that steadily rises and lingers on. The nerve endings of your teeth are highly affected, with the pain being hard hitting.
Causes of Sensitive Teeth
There are different causes of sensitive teeth. However, all these reasons may influence your eager plans of resorting to teeth whitening.
- Brushing with extra sharp strokes can make your teeth susceptible to sensitivity, as it scrapes the natural tooth enamel and the dentine becomes weak due to exposure.
- If your tooth is cracked and has suffered a fracture, the needed treatment must be conducted.
- When the roots of teeth are exposed, if the gums have receded, the whitening process will only aggravate the sensitivity of the tooth.
- Age can also be a cause of sensitive teeth, as the time period between 25 and 30 is the gap between which teeth are extremely sensitive and have to be handled delicately.
- Hereditary is also a factor in having teeth that are not up to the mark. Having teeth that have a slight to strong yellowish tinge could be very frustrating, as one gets conscious of his/her appearance.
Methods of Teeth Whitening
Dentist’s Chairside Bleaching
This is a bleaching method in which the dentist uses a bleaching agent that contains only 10% of hydrogen peroxide. The low peroxide content is just enough to whiten the teeth and at the same time prevent the teeth from becoming more sensitive. During the procedure, the dentist will apply a rubber shield or protective gel in order to protect the sensitive gum and tissues. He will then apply the 10% whitening solution on the teeth. The duration of this teeth whitening method is 30 minutes to an hour. It costs about $300 to $1500.
In-office Bleaching
This is a teeth whitening method, where the dentist takes the impression of the patients teeth and makes a mouthpiece mold or mouth guard that will fit over the teeth. The dentist puts a whitening gel in the mouthpiece that is made for the patient. The gel consists of only 3% of hydrogen peroxide, that will lighten the teeth. The patient has to wear the mouth guard plate every night for two to three weeks. This a method that combines teeth bleaching at home, coupled with visits to the dentist’s clinic. The procedure costs around $200 to $600.
Best Teeth Whiteners for Sensitive Teeth
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips for sensitive teeth are known to be the second most common type of teeth whitening done at home. These strips are almost invisible strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. They act as a bleaching agent. The whitening strips have to be applied for 14 days, where one has to apply the strip onto the teeth for 30 minutes, twice during the day. Results are effective and the whitening sustains for about 4 to 6 months.
Baking Soda
This is a method that can be used at home to get white teeth. However, this method should not be used regularly. Take a teaspoon of baking soda and add a pinch of salt to it. With this mixture, brush the teeth gently. Baking soda destroys the bacteria that causes plaque.
Lemon Juice
Rubbing your teeth with lemon juice is also beneficial in making your teeth white and shining. You could also use a toothpaste that has salt or extracts of lemon, for effective whitening.
Raisins
Yes, you may be surprised to know that this dry fruit that has a delectable chew, is a great teeth whitener as well. Eat raisins and you are sure to have whiter teeth.
Teeth Whitening Mouthwash
Make rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash an important step in your dental care routine. You must rinse immediately after the two steps of brushing your teeth and flossing them is over. This step gives you a brighter smile.
One of the most prominent liability that teeth endure is sensitivity. Sensitive teeth can be considered a reason for restricting one to adhere to teeth whiteners, and it also serves to be the consequence of the same. Make sure that you use these home remedies to make a difference to your smile.
