Gentle Smiles of Colorado wants you to look and feel your best. That’s why we offer a wide array of cosmetic treatments to make your smile more beautiful. If you’re considering professional teeth whitening, you might wonder if it hurts. These are the facts about this popular treatment.
Am I a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
If you choose to see our Denver cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening, you should know whether you’re a good candidate. You can get the procedure if your teeth are in good overall condition but are yellow or stained. If you have unresolved gum disease or other issues, seek treatment for it before considering whitening.
Teeth Whitening and Pain
Our cosmetic dentist in Denver, Golden, and Wheat Ridge understands your concerns and is used to being asked about the pain associated with professional teeth whitening. Although the procedure doesn’t hurt, it’s normal to experience discomfort afterward. Teeth whitening is performed by applying hydrogen peroxide gel to the teeth and then using laser light to allow it to set. This can cause some sensitivity in your teeth, but if you have ample enamel, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Managing Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening
If you experience sensitivity after teeth whitening, there are things you can do to ease it. Our cosmetic dentist in Denver, Golden, and Wheat Ridge recommends avoiding hot foods and drinks for the first few days after your treatment. Stick with warm options instead. You may also want to skip anything frozen such as ice cream or ice-chilled drinks as cold can also worsen sensitivity.
When brushing your teeth, use only a soft-bristled brush and make small, circular motions. Use lukewarm water and avoid brushing too hard.
If possible, only breathe through your nose and avoid mouth-breathing. Doing so can cause your teeth to dry out, irritate them, and increase your sensitivity.
Take any over-the-counter medications as directed by the dentist to minimize your discomfort. They can assess which drug is appropriate based on your level of teeth sensitivity.
Caring for Your Teeth After Whitening Treatment
As important as it is to know what to expect with sensitivity and how to manage it, it’s equally crucial to care for your teeth after whitening. Our Denver cosmetic dentist advises avoiding eating dark-colored foods and drinks that could cause stains. Consume only light-colored options like pasta, rice, eggs, potatoes, milk, and water.
Avoid brightly-colored toothpaste and mouthwash as they can also stain your teeth. Everything you use should be white, clear, or at least light-colored.
If you want to whiten your teeth or have any other dental concerns, we at Gentle Smiles Colorado are here to help. Contact us at our Denver office at (303) 756-2770, our Golden office at (303) 278-2800, or our Wheat Ridge office at (303) 425-5100 to schedule your appointment today.