In recent years, teeth whitening products and procedures have increased by incredible, incalculable rates, as it seems that just about everyone wants a movie star smile. The only problem is that these procedures are not exactly pain free. Well, we shouldn’t say that exactly. In fact, the most common side effect of these treatments is tooth sensitivity, which certainly cannot and should not be classified as pain.
More often than not, tooth sensitivity is nothing more than a temporary, exaggerated response to cold or hot liquids. The teeth, of course, feel strange, as if they are false or constructed from some instable material, like clay. But after a few hours, they will return to normal.
So, do all teeth whitening procedures cause tooth sensitivity ? Well, the answer is yes. Since all procedures, whether home or professional remedies, rely on the same solutions or gels, they often do cause dental sensitivity in patients or users.
To understand why these medications cause sensitivity, you must understand how they work. Without getting overly technical, the average whitening gel will penetrate the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) in order to diminish or eliminate the appearance of an ingrained stain.
After these chemicals have assaulted a stain, they simply dissipate and become powerless. This is also true with regard to professional-grade products that are often used by dentists. Though they will ordinarily achieve the same results in only a fraction of the time, the same sensitive teeth side effect will often strike no matter how deft the touch.