Can You Get Your Teeth Whitened With Sensitive Teeth?

The cosmetic dentistry treatment of teeth whitening is one of the best ways to brighten your smile. However, is it safe for adults with sensitive teeth? Americans spend millions every year on over-the-counter (OTC) kits for tooth whitening at home or professional tooth whitening sessions at the dentist to fight the signs of tooth discoloration. For patients in New England who struggle with sensitive teeth, consulting with the dental experts at Beacon Dental Health should be your first step. We will evaluate and determine how often you should whiten your teeth to reduce discoloration safely, even if you have tooth sensitivity. To learn more or schedule a professional tooth whitening consultation, contact our full-service dental practice today.

Why does tooth discoloration occur?

Tooth discoloration is a common cosmetic issue for adults, even if they have good oral hygiene and regularly visit the dentist for professional cleanings. Extrinsic discoloration is caused by deposits left on tooth enamel from coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, or other factors. Intrinsic discoloration is when the tooth enamel color naturally changes with age. People often turn to OTC tooth whitening products or kits for a more convenient way to brighten their smiles and possibly save money. However, OTC tooth whitening products generally have a lower hydrogen peroxide concentration, the bleaching component found in brush-on whiteners or whitening strips. Drugstore options are limited on what they can do, and in the long run, they may end up costing you more money to get the results you need.

Talk to a dentist if you have sensitive teeth

You can have a whiter, brighter smile with at-home or professional tooth whitening treatments. However, all tooth whitening products contain some amount of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, which varies between professional and at-home products. Peroxide or bleaching agents penetrate the enamel layer to reduce signs of tooth discoloration. If you already have sensitive teeth, then the thought of using concentrated peroxide gels or bleaching agents may be worrisome. However, with advancements in tooth whitening technology, bleaching agents today are buffered, so tooth sensitivity is no longer a significant side effect. Before you start whitening sensitive teeth, you should consult with one of our dental experts at Beacon Dental Health.

What is the best whitening option for sensitive teeth?

People spend money every year to bleach away the effects of cigarettes, red wine, tea, coffee, and tooth discoloration due to age. Many Beacon Dental Health patients opt for professional tooth whitening after finding drugstore options are uncomfortable, messy, and ineffective. Professional tooth whitening with West Bridgewater Dental is also the best option for those patients with sensitive teeth. It allows our dentists to monitor the process and ensure your teeth remain safe throughout the entire treatment. At West Bridgewater Dental, we offer the convenience of take-home professional whitening kits, which we will customize to meet your needs and achieve your cosmetic goals. We may even suggest in-office fluoride treatments to help strengthen your teeth and reduce tooth sensitivity.

Do you have sensitive teeth but wish to have a whiter, brighter smile?
Our experienced team at Beacon Dental Health will work closely with you to assess your dental health and customize this cosmetic dentistry treatment to achieve your desired results safely. If you want to boost the cosmetic appeal of your smile and get rid of tooth discoloration, contact our dental practices in New England and schedule a professional tooth whitening consultation today.