3 Must-Have Products That Can Help
There’s nothing like the beauty and confidence boost that comes from whitening your teeth. (We see you checking out your smile in the rearview mirror.) The only downside? That mind-numbingly awful tooth sensitivity!
Is it even possible to enjoy a whiter smile without cringing every time you eat or drink something cold? Well, hang onto your ice cream cones, because we’re giving you the scoop on how to fix sensitive teeth, fast!
Why Do I Get Teeth Sensitivity After Whitening?
Even if you have Superman-strength enamel, the kryptonite is teeth whitening agents, whether it’s from tooth whitening strips, whitening pens or trays from the dentist.
To get to the root (no pun intended) of those sensitive teeth, it helps to understand a little bit about the anatomy of a tooth.
Your teeth can hurt after whitening because bleaching agents temporarily weaken the enamel, making it more porous (sponge-like). Enamel is meant to be hard, so when it softens, it exposes the layer directly beneath it: the dentin.
Dentin holds the nerve endings of the pulp, the sensitive part of a tooth. That’s why we feel that unpleasant, sharp sensation after whitening when we eat or drink something hot or cold. There's nothing to block them from hitting our nerves.
Fortunately, the pain of sensitive teeth post-whitening should be temporary, lasting just a few days. However, for some people, the pain is ongoing for around three weeks.
Public Service Announcement! Please, please, please follow the directions of whatever home whitening treatment you’re using. Leaving the solution on longer will not make your teeth whiter; it will only make your sensitivity worse! Additionally, it can also cause blotches on your teeth or gum irritation.
3 Must-Have Sensitive Teeth Remedies
You don’t have to just suck it up and deal with tooth sensitivity after whitening. There are many products that can make a huge difference in your comfort level ... you know, so you can have your (ice cream) cake and eat it too!
#1. Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel
For the most extreme cases of tooth sensitivity (like if you dozed off with your whitening strips!), using Oxyfresh’s Pro Relief Dental Gel is going to be your quickest sensitive teeth remedy.
Even those with mild discomfort should apply this gel within the first 48 hours to instantly soothe gums and teeth.
Just rub a little bit directly onto the teeth that are giving you trouble and then sit for a while (you and the gel – ha!). This will instantly soothe and comfort painful gums and teeth.
What makes this gel different than store brand gels? For starters, there’s no burning alcohol, weird antiseptic taste, or odd-feeling numbing agents.
Oxyfresh Pro Relief Dental Gel has all the good stuff teeth love:
- Oxygene®: No smile is fully dressed without fresh breath. This proprietary, non-toxic ingredient doesn’t mask bad breath ... it gets rid of it completely.
- Aloe, Chamomile & Spearmint Oil: Nature’s natural soothers go right to work to help soothe your sensitive teeth and gums.
#2. Oxyfresh Cavity Protection Toothpaste (AKA The Best Sensitive Toothpaste!)
If you regularly whiten your teeth, here’s a saying to live by: An ounce of (sensitivity) prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Here’s what we mean by that: if you switch to a fluoride toothpaste two weeks BEFORE whitening your teeth, you’ll greatly diminish your odds of dealing with tooth sensitivity in the first place!
Fluoride will help fill in those little nerve endings, essentially blocking them from getting irritated so easily.
Of course, you’ll still want to use a fluoride toothpaste after your whitening treatment to remineralize your enamel, making it harder and stronger.
What makes Oxyfresh Cavity Protection formula the best sensitive toothpaste with fluoride is it has one of the lowest abrasion ratings on the index. Low abrasion is important, especially for tooth whiteners, because you want to get your teeth clean without harsh scrubbers that can wear your enamel away, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and a duller-shaded smiler. (Hey, if we’re going to spend the money on tooth whitening, we want the results to last!)
#3. Oxyfresh Cavity Protection Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash
Just like you’ll want to use a fluoride toothpaste two weeks before whitening, you’ll also want to start a regimen of swishing with a sensitive teeth mouthwash two times daily for two weeks beforehand.
But fear not. We assume you’re reading this because you’re ALREADY dealing with sensitive teeth. A fluoride mouthwash will also help after the fact, as it coats the teeth in fluoride protection, the #1 dental ingredient to help with sensitivity.
Important: Put that bright-colored mouthwash bottle down and slowly back away from it. Dyes stain teeth, so you’ll want to roll with a dye-free rinse like Oxyfresh Cavity Protection Fluoride Mouthwash. It’s alcohol-free for no sting or burn, which is especially important after teeth whitening, as bleaching agents can sometimes be rough on the gums.
Now who’s up for ice cream? How to fix sensitive teeth after whitening truly is as easy as the products you’re stocking in your bathroom. So enjoy that white, bright smile – and your favorite hot and cold goodies again – with a little help from Oxyfresh.
