Use Fluoride in Teeth Whitening Trays to Reduce Sensitivity

Teeth Whitening Tucson, AZ

Increased teeth sensitivity is often one of the side effects of teeth whitening treatments. For most people, this increased sensitivity only lasts a few days and can be managed with desensitizing products. Some patients experience extreme teeth sensitivity that can linger after their treatment.

Using fluoride to reduce teeth sensitivity during teeth whitening treatments

Dentists can reduce the sensitivity that occurs as a side effect after whitening treatments by adding potassium nitrate and fluoride to the bleaching product. According to the National Library of Medicine, research shows that adding this to teeth whitening treatments can lead to less sensitivity.

The process

Professional teeth whitening treatments performed by dentists involves concentrated bleaching products that lead to drastic results after a single session. Professional whitening treatments lead to the most teeth sensitivity, so dentists sometimes recommend at-home whitening kits to those with sensitive teeth because those come with less concentrated bleaching products.

Both approaches to whitening teeth involve the use of a customized mouth guard. This is made by taking an impression of the patient's mouth and sending it to technicians in a lab that makes mouth trays. The process takes about two weeks.

During professional teeth cleanings, the dentist prepares the patient's mouth for their treatment by strategically placing cotton swabs around their mouth to keep it dry. The bleaching product is poured into a container, and potassium nitrate-fluoride is added to it. The products are mixed and poured on the mouth tray. The patient bites down on the mouth tray and keeps it there for about an hour. They should experience less teeth sensitivity afterward. The same process goes for those using at-home whitening kits.

Dentists can provide an additional level of protection after whitening treatments by performing fluoride treatments. The fluoride is poured on the patient's mouth tray, and they bite down on it for about a minute. It infuses teeth with fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel. This allows teeth to recover faster from whitening treatments.

Dealing with sensitive teeth after whitening treatments

Sensitive teeth are one of the side effects of teeth whitening treatments due to the included hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen carbamide penetrating deep into enamel. The whitening process weakens enamel, and it can take a few days for teeth to recover from it. Here are a few ways that patients can manage any teeth sensitivity they experience.

  • Over-the-counter desensitizing products: Patients can reduce teeth sensitivity with desensitizing products sold at drug and grocery stores; the active ingredient in these helps numb tiny nerve endings in the inner layers of teeth
  • Prescription mouth rinses: Dentists can prescribe desensitizing products like mouth rinses, which are typically stronger than over-the-counter alternatives
  • Avoid extremely hot and cold foods/beverages: Avoiding things that are extremely hot or cold leads to less sensitivity

People with sensitive teeth can still safely whiten their teeth

Having sensitive teeth just means your dentist has to take extra precautions when whitening your teeth. Call or visit our Tucson clinic to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://jorgealvarezdds.com or call Jorge L Alvarez DDS at (520) 722-1655 for an appointment in our Tucson office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Tucson, AZ.

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