Tooth sensitivity can be a part of the teeth whitening process – however it is not harmful and it is not permanent.

The feelings can range from a mild tingling sensation to acute or sharp pain when it is recommended to stop use immediately and consult a dentist.

Best Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth:-

• Nite White ACP Z Turbo
• Crest 3D Whitestrips Gentle Routine
• Nite White ACP 10%
• Opalescence 10%

There are several precautions you can take if you normally suffer from tooth sensitivity or if you think you will:-

1) Prevention Tooth Sensitivity

The use of a good sensitive toothpaste, before, during and after the process can often alleviate the sensations. Taking this one step further it is recommended that this type of toothpaste is also rubbed on the teeth before sleep and not rinsed until the morning. Highly recommended products are Crest 3D White “Clinical” Sensitive toothpaste, Colgate Pro Relief and Sensodyne. By the far the best instant relief from any form of tooth sensitivity is Orajel Tooth Desensitizer.

The use of a desensitising agent or gel can also be found in several teeth whitening kits, or they can be used separately as a desensitising gel applied to the teeth, a week before the actual whitening treatment and prior to each application. ACP (amorphous calcium phosphate) found in Nite White ACP teeth whitening kits also helps strengthen the enamel.

Two other popular agents are Fluoride and Potassium Nitrate

2) Aggravation

During the whitening process it is not always possible to keep the whitening gel on the teeth alone, some can come in contact with the gum line. This can cause a burning sensation. This can be made worse if the teeth have been brushed before whitening, so it is recommended to brush the teeth after the treatment, not before.

3) Remedies for Tooth Sensitivity

If desensitisers are not totally successful then the use of over the counter inflammatories may be used to help reduce the sensitivity levels.

4) What Makes Teeth Sensitive?

Inside every tooth there are lots of small or microscopic “tubes” that extend from the tooth nerves to the outside surface.

Inside these tiny tubes there is a fluid, when this fluid moves inside the tubes it causes sensitivity. In our mouth we produce saliva which is normally responsible for “plugging” the open ends of this tubes, preventing fluid movement and sensitivity.

During the teeth whitening process the bleaching gels can dissolve these small plugs, allowing the fluid to once again move inside the tubes to cause sensitivity.

The individual genetics of a person determine whether this ranges from no sensitivity or to acute sensitivity.