Eliminating tooth whitening sensitivity in 4 steps-Dr. Fred Peck

   When your dentist, recommends a tooth whitening procedure, there are several steps that can be taken to eliminate tooth sensitivity. This applies to both home whitening and in office procedures. The first is prescribing the correct bleach concentration. Bleach comes in many different concentrations. Too strong of a bleach will lead to sensitive teeth. Too dilute of the bleach formula will not whiten the teeth enough.

Next, immediately after a bleaching treatment, apply a prescription strength fluoride over the teeth. This can be done in office with fluoride trays or placed in custom trays at home. The third step is to keep the bleach off of the root surfaces. This can be easily done in the office treatment, but at home, the patient must removed the excess bleach from the root areas. The last step is to keep the bleach off of the gum tissue. Again, in the office the gums are covered up. At home bleaching with custom trays, the patient must ensure that the trays do not cover the gum tissue. Then, wipe off the excess. Bleaching is great procedure with great results if attention is paid to the details.