Tooth Sensitivity, Whitening, and Cincinnatis Favorite Foods

Are you concerned that tooth sensitivity from whitening may impact your ability to enjoy such Cincinnati staples as King’s Island soft serve or Montgomery Inn ribs?

Many patients who experience tooth sensitivity after whitening find that the condition goes away after a day or two. And those who experiment with over-the-counter whitening products should find them less damaging these days than they were a decade or two ago.

But if you already suffer from tooth sensitivity — or mouth pain sparked by eating hot, cold, sweet or sour foods – in-office whitening is your best option. A dentist can determine whether to include a desensitizing product with your treatment.

At Hardin Advanced Dentistry, for instance, we can survey whether your sensitivity may be caused by a health issue other than tooth whitening such as gum or periodontal disease. We also can adjust your whitening treatment to accommodate your particular tooth sensitivity.

Here are four things you can do to prevent tooth sensitivity:

• Practice great oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing in the morning, after meals, and at bedtime.
• Switch to soft bristles. A gentler toothbrush will reduce stress and damage to your gums.
• Opt for desensitizing toothpaste. You should test different brands to find the one that’s best for you, but regular use of such products will decrease your tooth sensitivity.
• Avoid too much acidic food. Foods that cause the most damage to tooth enamel include fizzy beverages, fruit, juice, coffee, wine, and vinegar (or salad dressing).

Contact Hardin Advanced Dentistry today to talk with Cincinnati cosmetic dentists Dr. Tara Hardin or Dr. Gary Hardin about whitening and tooth sensitivity, or call (513) 398-4448.