It is quite frustrating when you want to whiten your teeth but end up experiencing sensitivity every time you try. Some peroxide-free products may do the trick to lessen sensitivity but often produce inferior results.
So, what do you do when you have sensitive teeth but wish to whiten them?
Fortunately, some companies have formulated the right whitening products that are fit for those with sensitive teeth. This post seeks to highlight some of the best options for those that wish to discover a brilliant smile by whitening their teeth while still avoiding sensitivity.
Teeth Whitening and Sensitivity
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that helps in brightening discolored or stained teeth. Over time, this discoloration may be caused by different factors, including prolonged use of dark-colored foods and beverages like coffee and red wine.
Tooth injuries, thinning enamel, tobacco usage, and natural aging are also other contributing factors to stained teeth.
Most people prefer to whiten their teeth not only to give them a brilliant smile but also to increase their confidence. With the numerous advancements in dentistry, one can easily get teeth whitening kits that are pretty efficient, all at a reasonable price.
However, some people may experience tooth sensitivity whenever they try using some of these products. The sensitivity can manifest as discomfort and aches whenever the teeth come into close contact with hot or cold stimuli. Furthermore, most people have also pointed out the pain taking place during the whitening procedure.
There are many possible causes of such sensitivity, including cavities, gum disease, or cracked teeth. However, if you have none of the above symptoms, the other causes can be divided into dentin and bleaching sensitivity.
Bleaching sensitivity
You’re more likely to experience bleaching sensitivity if your teeth are usually sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. During the bleaching process, peroxide (mainly found in teeth whitening gels and solutions) comes into contact with the teeth. This component penetrates the tooth structure to break down and get rid of the stains within your dentin.
During this procedure, most patients undergo bleaching sensitivity.
Fortunately, bleaching sensitivity is only temporary and should go away within a few hours or days.
Dentin sensitivity
One is expected to experience heightened sensitivity during and after a teeth whitening procedure, which may require the intervention of a qualified dentist.
What causes teeth sensitivity after whitening?
Some of the factors that can make one more susceptible to teeth sensitivity during and after bleaching include:
Exposed tooth roots due to oral health issues heighten your risk for sensitivity.
Chewing hard objects like ice tends to break down your enamel over time, hence leaving the dentin exposed.
Cracked or chipped teeth
Gum disease and cavities naturally cause sensitivity.
It would be prudent to note that too much consumption of acidic or sugary foods increases the risk of cavities, which in turn increases your risk of experiencing tooth sensitivity.
Tips for reducing sensitivity with any teeth whitening product
Some people have naturally sensitive teeth, while others may be brought up by various factors, as discussed above. However, there are a number of things that you can do to reduce the sensitivity of teeth when using any teeth whitening product.
The best way to avoid all the hassle, would be to go for sensitive teeth whitening strips. However, there are more factors that you may need to take into consideration. For better understanding, we have categorized these tips to before, during, and after bleaching.
Before whitening
Consult your dentists: It is always essential to consult your dentist before attempting to use any teeth bleaching products. They are well-aware of your dental history and would be in a better position to advise on the best way to whiten your teeth without undergoing the painful experience of sensitive teeth.
Check the ingredient list: There are two major active formulas used in teeth whitening: carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. Before you settle on a particular brand, ensure that you go through the ingredients list and confirm the concentration of each or either of the two key active ingredients.
A product with a higher concentration of carbamide peroxide, say 22% is more likely to cause sensitivity, unlike one with only 10%. It would be recommended to go for teeth whitening products with a less concentrated formula if you have sensitive teeth.
During whitening
Read the instructions carefully: You should read all the instructions carefully if you’re using an at-home whitening kit. Ensure that you’re aware of all the nitty-gritty that pertains to its application, including how much gel you need to use.
Reduce application time: You need a product with a shorter application period to help you minimize the risk of sensitivity. For instance, one of the top teeth whitening products, Crest 3D Whitestrips Gentle Routine, only requires you to apply for only five minutes a day.
Do not expose your gums to bleaching agents: Bleaching agents can cause a minor chemical burn when it comes into contact with your gums. Although this sensitivity goes away after a few days, it would be ideal to avoid it in the first place.
After whitening
Rinse your mouth well: You ought to rinse and brush your teeth after every whitening session. This helps in getting rid of any excess gel.
Allow more time between whitening sessions: If you seem to experience sensitive teeth after whitening, you should allow more days between bleaching sessions. Your teeth need some time to recover before using the bleaching agents again.
Top whitening products for sensitive teeth
When it comes to teeth whitening, there are lots of options available. You can go to the dentist’s office, purchase whitening kits, or even try out homemade teeth whitening options. However, not all products are good enough for sensitive teeth whitening. Furthermore, not all that are made for sensitive teeth are efficient.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular sensitive teeth whitening products.
Best overall: Crest 3D Whitestrips Sensitive Teeth Whitening Kit
Price: The product currently retails from the company’s website at $75 with a possibility to get up to 20% of by using coupons.
If you have naturally sensitive teeth, the Crest 3D Whitestrips sensitive teeth whitening kit is one of the best options for you. They are made with Crest’s classic 3D white formula with hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient and specially designed for sensitive teeth.
The kit includes 14 whitening strips, which you apply daily for only half an hour. The entire treatment is projected to last only two weeks.
Furthermore, the strips have a specially-formulated harder glue that holds the strips in place instead of a gel so as to ensure that they do not fall off at any given instance. The no-slip grip also stays in place in case you’d want to talk or drink water during the whitening procedure.
There’s also a teeth sensitivity toothpaste by Crest that comes with whitening strips. This works to protect the teeth from sensitivity. Moreover, the product also comes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
PROS
Visible results in 2 weeks
Shorter daily application time of 30 minutes
Availability of a no-slip grip
CONS
May cause erosion of restorations, such as fillings
Runners up: Candid Teeth Whitening Zoom Gel
Price: The product currently retails at $349 on the company’s website.
The Philips teeth whitening products are known to be some of the most effective in the market. The company’s partnership with CandidCo only made the product more popular and favorable. Most at-home whitening kits may not snugly fit in your mouth, as they are not custom-made for your teeth.
The opposite is the reality with the Candid Teeth Whitening Zoom Gel. As soon as you make your order, the company will send you an impression kit where you take an impression of your mouth for them to make the perfect trays for you.
After you return them, they’ll make unique trays for you and send them back alongside the whitening gel.
With this whitening kit, you get to choose which active ingredient you’re more comfortable with between carbamide and hydrogen peroxide. This you can achieve with the advice you receive from your dentist.
PROS
The trays are custom-fitted meaning they won’t slip off easily
Results are seen in as little as three days
Made for sensitive teeth
CONS
A little pricier than its competitors
Best whitening toothpaste: Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste
Price: This product currently retails at only $14.79, with a possibility to get the cost even lower by using the coupons available on the company’s website.
Consumer usage reviews place the Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste as the most popular teeth whitening toothpaste, especially for those with sensitive teeth. Besides helping the user to prevent other oral issues, such as bad breath and cavities, it is also formulated with Potassium Nitrate, which is pretty effective in relieving sensitivity.
Using the Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste is easy as it just entails one brushing their teeth as they would with any other traditional toothpaste. The only difference is that besides keeping your mouth clean and fresh, it also helps in getting rid of stains for a whiter smile.
PROS
Easy to use as you simply use your toothbrush to get the job done
It contains potassium Nitrate as one of the key ingredients to help relieve sensitivity.
More affordable compared to other teeth whitening products meant for sensitive teeth.
CONS
The active whitening ingredient concentration is lower than other in-office whitening products; hence it might take a little longer to realize optimum results.
Best whitening device: GLO SCIENCE GLO Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device
Price: The GLO SCIENCE GLO Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device may take you back $199, which you’ll realize is worth every penny once you give it a try.
One of the most effective, easiest to use, and ideal for sensitive teeth whitening devices is the GLO SCIENCE GLO Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device. The product has a low Hydrogen Peroxide concentration (6%) and Potassium Nitrate to help ensure that tooth sensitivity is kept at bay.
Usage is pretty simple, but you’ll want to ensure that the device is fully charged before use. Uncap the gel tubes and apply them to your teeth before attaching the mouthpiece. The user only needs to commit about 30 minutes every day for the first five days to realize optimal results.
PROS
Built-in timer and pre-measured whitening vials to ensure a perfect application
Quick results, proven to change your smile five shades lighter within five days
Safe for use by those with crowns, bridges, and veneers
Long-lasting charge
Short application time of only 30 minutes a day
CONS
The steep price tag may put off a few users
The LED light has been said to slightly dry out the user’s lips during application
Best teeth whitening strips: Oral Essentials Lumineux Whitening Kit
Price: You can get the whitening strips for only $32.29.
The Oral Essentials Lumineux Whitening kit is one of the best whitening strips for sensitive teeth. All the products and ingredients include non-toxic and non-sensitive formulas, with proven results to get your teeth whiter without the sensitivity.
You only need to apply both upper and lower strips for at most half an hour before rinsing with water. It is recommended to use the strips for one week straight for optimum results.
PROS
It does not contain any bleach or harsh chemicals
It’s made from naturally derived ingredients
Fast results – noticeable within seven days of daily use
CONS
The absence of key whitening ingredients, such as Hydrogen Peroxide, may not make this product ideal for people with darker shades.
Best whitening pen: SmileDirectClub Teeth Whitening Kit with LED Light
Price: The SmileDirectClub teeth whitening kit with LED light currently retails at $67.
This teeth whitening kit from SmileDirectClub uses the same effective whitening agents found in a dentist’s office but with more convenient usage and cheaper pricing. The kit is said to work three times faster than standard whitening strips without causing any sensitivity.
To use, you simply twist the whitening pens to get the gel to the applicator before evenly applying it to your teeth. The mouthguard with an LED accelerator light is used after that. You only need to use it for approximately five minutes every day for a week. After that, you’ll only need to use it once a week every six months for optimal results.
PROS
There’s a membership option that allows users to subscribe to regular deliveries
Shorter application period
No strips or trays are needed
CONS
It may take a lot longer to witness the results. However, consistency is key to eventually realizing good results.
Best for aligners: Byte BrightByte
Price: This 3-in-1 foam cleanser, whitener, and breath freshener is currently retailing for only $30.
If you’re currently rocking any type of corrective clear aligners, then this is for you. This product from Byte is effective in not only whitening your teeth but also keeping your mouth fresh. You only have to add the foam to your aligners, ensure that it is evenly spread, and put it on your aligners as you usually do.
PROS
Ideal for sensitive teeth
Reaches tooth crevices
It is affordable
CONS
Some reviewers claim that the product feels a little gloppy.
Takeaway
As seen from this post, some at-home whitening products are still considered to be as effective as in-office teeth whitening treatments. Furthermore, most of them cost much less than the average cost of teeth whitening at a dental clinic.
Teeth whitening for sensitive teeth should no longer be a daunting task to you. For those who experience tooth sensitivity, this comprehensive post provides all the answers you seek, with in-depth reviews of different products in different categories. Which type of teeth whiteners is more ideal for you?
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Teeth whitening products mostly have peroxides (Hydrogen or Carbamide) that contain volatile oxygen molecules. These molecules react by breaking down the bonds that hold the stains on your teeth, hence restoring your original white teeth’ color.
Teeth whitening products are safe as long as they have undergone rigorous testing by the relevant authorities. Ensure that a product has an ADA seal of approval before using it.
The best way to avoid pain and sensitivity after teeth whitening is to use whitening products with less concentration of active ingredients, such as Hydrogen Peroxide and Carbamide Peroxide.