Does bleaching leads to sensitivity?

Ans. Teeth bleaching or whitening is the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure used  to remove stains from the tooth surface. Teeth bleaching can be done at a dental clinic as well as at home by using the teeth bleaching kit.

Tooth sensitivity is one of the possible side effects of dental bleach. It is caused because of the use of  bleaching agent and solution. The active components of the bleaching solution like peroxides can erode the mineral within the enamel and remove the thin layer of it along with stains. It causes the teeth to become temporarily porous, and it may expose the microtubules of the dentine within teeth, which carry nerve endings of inner pulp.

Due to expose tubules, teeth may start to ache, and one may feel discomfort when drinking or eating hot or cold food items. It is called as hypersensitivity or dental sensitivity. It is generally a short-term effect and goes away by its own, when remineralisation of outer surface is restored.

Some tips to overcome the sensitivity effect:

• Use of the toothpaste, which is formulated for sensitivity, start before and after the teeth whitening.
• Brush with soft bristle toothbrush.
• After the whitening procedure, rinses your mouth with water to reduce the acidity in the mouth.
• Avoid food and beverage, which trigger sensitivity.
• If sensitivity persists, consult your dentist.