Can People With Sensitive Teeth Get a Teeth Whitening Procedure?

If you have sensitive teeth, we can still perform a teeth whitening procedure so that your teeth can look healthier, and you will have the benefit of a more youthful smile. Understandably, those with sensitive teeth are often concerned that this or any dental procedure may cause issues. This inspired the American Dental Association to research the issue and publish their findings in a paper entitled “Tooth Whitening/Bleaching: Treatment Considerations for Dentists and Their Patients”. In their report, they recommended that patients with sensitive teeth have the dentist place potassium nitrate into a teeth whitening tray and place it onto their teeth for thirty minutes prior to the treatment. They also suggested that patients brush with a toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for several weeks prior to whitening teeth and afterwards as needed. These are two simple solutions that can prevent sensitivity or irritation in patients concerned about how their teeth may feel.
In our office, we find that most patients have no issues with sensitivity after a professional whitening procedure and there are several reasons why –

• A dental exam. When you have your teeth examined prior to whitening them, we can ensure that you don’t have any cavities or gum disease that could be further irritated by the whitening solution. By treating those issues first, you won’t experience any unnecessary sensitivity. Simultaneously, if you whiten your teeth using an over the counter product, this becomes a clear risk since there is no way to self-diagnose oral health problems.
• The perfect fit.  When you schedule a teeth whitening with our dental office, the trays that we use will be the perfect fit for your teeth which will prevent the solution from leaking onto your gums.  Gum tissue is incredibly sensitive so if any type of bleaching agent comes in contact with it – your gums will naturally become irritated and sensitive.  This is a common problem with over the counter products because the whitening trays are a one-size-fits-all and, therefore, don’t fit anyone perfectly. 
• Overuse isn’t an issue.  Many people that whiten their teeth at home will do so too frequently.  Overuse is a common problem with over the counter products because the solution isn’t as strong, and the results are not as dramatic as most people would prefer.  This creates the desire for an additional treatment, which in turn, creates irritation.  You must be careful with how frequently you whiten your teeth.  In our dental office, the solution is stronger and the results more dramatic so there is no need for overuse. 

A teeth whitening treatment when completed under the supervision of a dentist is perfectly safe for those with sensitive teeth.  The important thing to note is that the majority of risk factors come from using over the counter solutions and can be prevented by visiting the dentist instead.  In our dental office, we can also discuss other cosmetic solutions for improving your smile so that whether you want to remove stains or close a gap in between your teeth – we can help.