Teeth whitening procedures give us a beautiful smile but they often come at a cost: sensitive and painful teeth which hurt upon eating or drinking anything sweet or cold. Sometimes, tooth sensitivity can even result from some serious underlying health issues. When the dentin part of the tooth gets exposed, you experience pain and irritation when food or liquids comes in contact with it. Let us study some ways to prevent and get rid of sensitive teeth after whitening procedures.
Related content: Easy Ways to Whiten Teeth At Home
1. Use sensitive teeth pain relief toothpaste
Many brands of toothpastes for sensitive teeth pain relief are readily available these days. Use one to brush the teeth two times a day. You can also massage the paste on the teeth and gums with your fingers. Note that you might not see immediate results: some products tend to take days or weeks to show results.
2. Borax
Often, people complain about teeth sensitivity after using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda for teeth whitening. Baking soda tends to abrade the enamel causing dental pain and irritation. Instead use borax. Borax is a great natural remedy for teeth whitening; it reduces plaque and also prevents teeth sensitivity. Use food grade borax in water and take the mixture internally. Also use borax for brushing teeth gently.
3. Salt water rinse
If your teeth are hurting post whitening procedure, then use salt water rinses to cure the pain. Mix half a teaspoon of sea salt in a tall glass of warm water. Swish the mixture gently around the mouth. Do this at least 3 times a day to cure sensitive teeth.
4. Coconut oil
Gargle with organic, cold pressed coconut oil making sure to swish it around your teeth for 20 minutes. This remedy is known as oil pulling. Not only will this make your teeth stronger; it will also detoxify your system. Regular oil pulling using coconut, olive or sesame oils can also prevent plaque buildup and reduce risk of dental cavities.
5. Avoid certain foods and beverages
Hot and cold drinks, acidic foods, sugary juices, citrusy fruits, frozen foods can worsen the pain caused by sensitive teeth. Avoid these as far as possible. Watch what you eat for at least a few weeks post the teeth whitening procedure.
6. Fluoride gels rinses and varnishes
Fluoride remineralization gels, rinses and varnishes can be used for combating tooth sensitivity. Speak to your dentist before use. Many of these products are readily available over the counter.
7. Replace worn out toothbrushes
Worn out toothbrushes with damaged or bent bristles tend to abrade dental enamel. This can worsen your dental pain post whitening. So replace your brush every few months and use brushes with soft or medium bristles.
8. Brush 2-3 times with fluoride toothpaste
Fluorinated toothpastes help numb the pain caused by teeth whitening procedures. Using a soft bristled brush, gently brush teeth two times a day. A gentle circular motion is all that you need to keep your mouth healthy.
9. Use mouth guard
Teeth grinding or jaw clenching is one of the factors responsible for dental sensitivity. To prevent teeth grinding at night use jaw protection devices or mouth guards. These prevent you from clenching your teeth while sleeping.
10. Avoid abrasive toothpastes
Your toothpaste can also lead to dental sensitivity. Avoid toothpastes containing harsh or abrasive ingredients such as baking soda or hydrogen peroxide etc.
11. Reduce plaque buildup
To keep plaque to a minimum, use a floss and get your teeth cleaned professionally from time to time. Try some of these easy ways to reduce tartar and plaque.
12. Treat dental issues immediately
Several dental problems like cracked teeth, receding gums and gum disease could start out as teeth sensitivity. So get these problems fixed by an experienced oral hygienist.
13. Avoid using your teeth as tools
We often use our teeth to cut, chop, bite, break, and tear hard things. These actions can greatly harm the teeth. Avoid doing these in order to prevent sensitivity. Also limit use of chewing gum which can damage the enamel and cause oral sensitivity.
14. Maintain good oral health
Visit a dentist or an oral hygienist every 6 months to prevent dental problems. Speak to your dental hygienist before use of bleaching products or whitening trays etc.
15. Take calcium and other supplements
Calcium deficiency can weaken bones and teeth. Take a good supplement or eat a calcium rich diet. Other supplements like MSM and Alpha lipoic acid, as well as collagen, vitamin C and vitamin D are necessary to prevent receding gums and maintain good oral health.
16. Use activated charcoal
Brushing the teeth with activated charcoal helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup. Charcoal also removes toxins from the mouth and strengthens and whitens teeth naturally without causing sensitivity.
17. Clove oil
Apply clove oil on the sensitive areas of the teeth to stop dental pain immediately. You can safely use this remedy daily since clove oil is completely natural. It can strengthen teeth, freshen up the breath and prevent cavities by eliminating harmful oral bacteria.
Use these 17 easy ways to soothe teeth sensitivity post whitening procedure.