There are hundreds of whitening products available today to help people get rid of discolored teeth. This cosmetic problem, while easily fixed, is a major cause of self-confidence issues. But it doesn’t have to be a permanent flaw if you know how to whiten your teeth safely.

However, people with sensitive teeth are often concerned about trying new products, and rightly so. The wrong toothpaste or other oral health items can result in days or weeks of irritation or pain. If you’re one of the many individuals who suffer from sensitive teeth issues, you can still benefit from certain whitening treatments.

Working with your dentist to determine the course to take to whiten your teeth is important. They know your medical and dental history and can use that to figure out what the most effective treatment may be.

At Cedar Grove Dental, our office offers professional teeth whitening services and advice on the best sensitive teeth whitening OTC products. But if you’re interested in sensitive teeth whitening methods, use this guide to help you as you plan your next steps!

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Getting to the bottom of why you have sensitive teeth helps you understand how to prevent the pain. It may even solve the problem entirely!

The most common causes of sensitive teeth are gum-related. You may have receding gums or the beginning of gum disease. Gingivitis turns into periodontitis if it’s not treated early, and this can cause a lot of pain and other problems.

Sensitive teeth can also mean there’s a cavity, chip, or crack in your tooth. Even if you don’t see it, the nerve is exposed and the only symptom may be the increased sensitivity. Your dentist can examine your mouth and find these hidden problems.

In the meantime, if you use a whitening product, any of these oral health issues will probably be aggravated. For you, this means more discomfort and pain unless you fix the problem before you use the whitener.

How Whitening Products Work

Although whitening products are readily available, that doesn’t mean they’re safe and/or effective. Even people without sensitive teeth should be cautious using them because of the process all whiteners take to work.

The active ingredient in every whitening product is a chemical bleaching agent. If the product isn’t used correctly or is made with inferior materials, it can cause short or long-term damage to your teeth and gums.

The difference in each product is the way the agent is applied. Toothpaste goes on directly, while gels are placed with an applicator of some sort and whitening strips adhere to the teeth. No matter how the bleach goes on, it works the same.

Once the bleaching agent interacts with your tooth, it spreads to expand the pores in your dentin. This is the layer of teeth that determines what color the enamel is. It starts out white from birth, but then usually stains over time through food, drink, and lifestyle habits.

As your dentin’s pores are widened, the bleaching agent absorbs into the enamel and lightens the shade of the teeth. The best whitening toothpaste, strips, and other products take time to work. They shift the color gradually and safely because the chemical agent isn’t too strong.

With a product that is too strong or isn’t used correctly, damaging side effects can happen. When you have sensitive teeth, those side effects become even more painful.

Your Whitening Options When Your Teeth are Sensitive

Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t realize they have sensitive teeth until they’ve already tried a whitening product. If your gums become swollen and irritated, it can be painful, but it should only last a few days as you use the product.

Sometimes, the side effects can be permanent, though. This occurs when the user hasn’t followed the whitener’s directions or the product had inferior ingredients. Your teeth have a layer of dentin that is made of protein. The bleaching agent can damage the protein, making your teeth permanently sensitive.

For that reason, many dentists suggest avoiding OTC treatments. A common question asked by patients is, “What are the best whitening strips for sensitive teeth?” But if you know your teeth are prone to discomfort, the smartest idea is to fix the problem before you start a whitening treatment.

Whitening strips for sensitive teeth, and any other product, are still going to cause discomfort if there’s a cavity, crack, or gum issue. Once you have those problems corrected, your choice of whiteners becomes more open.

Why Professional Treatments are the Best Whitening Option

Talk to your dentist about the options you have that will work best for your oral health. In-office teeth whitening services use high-quality, professional-grade ingredients, making them the preferred choice for patients and dentists.

At Cedar Grove Dental, our teeth whitening methods are safe and effective for those with sensitive teeth. Because we use the highest quality bleaching agents and other professional tools, you may even notice a change in your teeth’s color after the first visit!

Our treatment procedure is designed to ensure you get the most effective results through the safest process possible. Each step is non-invasive, so you can schedule your appointment any time you want, and get right back to your day afterward!

Working with your dentist gives you the added bonus of knowing what to do for sensitive teeth after whitening treatments are done. Your dentist will give you preventative suggestions to avoid the discomfort or reduce it if it occurs.

For the fastest, but safest, results, professional whitening treatments are the best way to go. However, if you still want a whitening product that you can do from home, talk to your dentist first. That way, you can make sure there are no complications that will hurt your teeth after using a whitener.

You Can Have Whiter Teeth, Fast!

Maybe you have a special event on the horizon or you’re just tired of having yellowed teeth. Whatever the reason is, when you’re ready to get a whiter, brighter smile, we at Cedar Grove Dental are here to help you through the process.

For the safest and most effective results, it’s essential to work with your dentist before using a whitener. Call us today to schedule an appointment, and the Insta-ready smile you’ve been dreaming of is right around the corner!