Never Take Your Healthy Teeth for Granted

If you suffer from teeth stains either because you drink coffee or wine, you may consider going to your cosmetic dentist for professional teeth whitening. This is a great way to achieve the smile you want and ensure that you aren't embarrassed to smile in pictures or when you meet someone new. However, with professional teeth whitening also comes increased teeth sensitivity, which is more annoying to deal with than painful. Here are four tips for reducing this sensitivity so that it doesn't affect you so much:

1. Take Precautions: It is important to note that right after you have your teeth whitened, you are going to experience heightened teeth sensitivity. This happens because the teeth whitening process causes the teeth to become more porous, which means that the nerves in the teeth are more exposed. For this reason, right after you have the teeth whitening procedure done, you should avoid extremely hot and cold foods and drinks. Also, you won't want to brush your teeth right afterwards either since your teeth will need some time to settle. 
2. Use The Right Tools: When you go to brush your teeth the first time after having your teeth whitened, which should not be until the next day, you must be sure that you are using a soft bristled toothbrush. These toothbrushes are much more gentle on the teeth, which will ensure that you don't experience any pain while brushing. You should also use a toothpaste that is specialized for those with sensitive mouths. These toothpastes use less harsh chemicals that could cause some pain on your sensitive teeth. 
3. Use a Desensitizing Gel: If you apply a desensitizing gel before you actually get your teeth whitened, it can help with sensitivity. You may even ask your dentist to prescribe a gel that is best for your teeth. This gel is going to help soothe the nerves. 
4. Use Ibuprofen: Taking ibuprofen before teeth whitening can also help you to experience less sensitivity issues afterwards. This should only be done if you know that you will experience some discomfort and pain after teeth whitening based on previous experiences. 

By utilizing these tips, you can create a better satisfaction for yourself in the teeth whitening process. In the end it will be worth it since you will once again have a bright smile that you don't have to be ashamed of. Be sure that you talk to a dentist (such as one from Milan Simanek, D.D.S. & Associates), as well for their suggestions on how to reduce teeth sensitivity for your specific needs.