Whitening can be a great way to lighten your smile, but questions always arise, especially if you have sensitive teeth, whether it's safe to use whitening strips or not. A lot of people using them for sensitive teeth seem extremely worried about whether such a product is going to further discomfort.
We will discuss in this article if whitening strips can be used with sensitive teeth and also how to make the whitening process as comfortable as possible.
So, let's get started.
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the enamel-reinforced protection of your teeth becomes thinner or worn. This is because of the exposure of nerves inside your teeth, which makes your teeth feel sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Whitening products include chemicals, which may irritate these nerves and increase sensitivity.
Yes, teeth whitening strips might cause temporary sensitivity for some people, especially those with sensitive teeth. Whitening strips contain materials like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide for the removal of stains. These chemicals penetrate to inner layers of the tooth and make your teeth sensitive.
However, whitening sensitivity usually is temporary. It normally stops after you stop using strips or when the course of treatment ends.
But there are ways the whitening strips application process can be made a bit more comfortable if you have sensitive teeth. A few tips are:
Some brands like OnugeChina offer whitening strips specifically designed for people with sensitive teeth. Unlike other whitening products that can cause discomfort, Onuge's Dead Sea Salt Teeth Whitening Strips are made with special anti-sensitivity ingredients. This makes them perfect for people with sensitive teeth. These strips not only whiten effectively but also provide a gentler experience.
They contain PAP (Phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid), a new and improved whitening ingredient that works fast and is much less likely to cause sensitivity than traditional peroxide-based products.
What makes these strips stand out is that they remove stains while protecting the enamel, making them safe for regular use. Users can see visible whitening results in as little as seven days, without feeling discomfort during or after the treatment.
This makes Onuge's strips a great choice for those who want both effective whitening and sensitivity protection, setting them apart from other strips that might increase sensitivity.
If daily use with whitening strips causes sensitivity, try using them less often. Use them every other day, or a few times a week, allowing your teeth to take a little break and causing less discomfort.
Another way to prevent sensitivity is to cut down on how long you wear the strips. If they come recommended for a certain amount of time, try wearing them half that long and reap many of the whitening benefits without the discomfort.
Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth will help control the sensitivity problem that you might have with whitening strips. These types of toothpaste treat the enamel by keeping your teeth calm, hence not reacting fast to the action of whitening chemicals.
If you find that sensitivity occurs with whitening strips, don't be alarmed. There are ways to minimize the discomfort:
→ Take a Break
Should your teeth start getting a little too sensitive, stop using the strips for some time; this will allow your teeth to heal up.
→ Use a Desensitizing Gel
You can purchase over-the-counter desensitizing gels that will help soothe your teeth after whitening strips. A gel-like this, when applied to your teeth, reduces sensitivity and makes whitening more comfortable.
→ Switch to a Gentler Product
If the sensitivity will not go away, you may wish to treat it with a more gentle whitening product, such as a whitening mouthwash or whitening toothpaste. Such products work more slowly but will cause less sensitivity.
Yes, whitening strips are generally safe for those who have sensitive teeth, provided they use them correctly. It is just important to follow the package instructions and not overuse the strips. Overusing the strips in either frequency or time will eventually increase sensitivity or even damage your enamel. The best approach would be to consult with a dentist about your intention to whiten teeth.
If you have sensitive teeth, whitening strips can still be tried, but caution should be taken. You could opt for a whitening strip made for sensitive teeth, put them on less often than mentioned in the instructions, or wear them for a shorter time. By following the right approach, you get a whiter smile without too much discomfort.