Finding Suitable Whitening for Sensitive Teeth

Teeth-whitening products often have a bad reputation when it comes to tooth sensitivity. They can be overly abrasive, acidic or contain bleaching agents such as peroxide that irritate the gums and damage the teeth. Yet the good news is, there are much gentler teeth-whitening products that care for your mouth while restoring natural whiteness.

It’s small wonder that many of us are in search of teeth-whitening solutions; our teeth can easily become discoloured as we enjoy our day-to-day life. Red wine, coffee and cigarettes are some of the most common culprits, but staining can also be caused by highly pigmented foods such as balsamic vinegar and turmeric.

If you suffer from sensitive teeth and want a brighter smile, read on to learn how to care for your sensitive teeth while discovering the teeth whitening toothpaste options available.

WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVE TEETH?

There’s a whole host of reasons why you may experience sensitive teeth. Getting to the bottom of what’s causing your sensitive teeth can help you select a suitable method of tooth whitening. Sensitive teeth are commonly caused by:

• Worn or damaged enamel, which makes the soft dentine inside our teeth vulnerable. This can be the result of poor brushing, teeth grinding or something as simple as consuming food and drink high in sugar and acid.1
• Extreme temperatures or textures can make teeth feel sensitive, such as biting into a tart, crunchy apple or walking into a chilly wind.2
• A one-off accident or trauma such as a broken tooth or a loose filling can cause temporary pain.3,4
• Receding gums, caused by overbrushing or gum disease, which exposes the nerves inside the tooth.5

EIGHT TIPS FOR WHITENING SENSITIVE TEETH

The great news is, there are effective ways you can care for sensitive teeth while taking at-home steps towards a whiter, brighter smile. These include a good oral hygiene routine as well as simple lifestyle changes.

Here are eight top tips on whitening for sensitive teeth:6

1. Brush twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride-based toothpaste such as Sensodyne Daily Care Gentle Whitening, which has a superior whitening action* and provides long-lasting care for sensitive teeth*.
2. Use a toothbrush designed to remove stains gently.
3. Once a day, clean between your teeth with an interdental brush or floss.
4. Limit the amount of tea, coffee and red wine you drink – these everyday drinks are the most common causes of stained teeth. Rinsing your mouth with water after drinking or adding milk to your tea and coffee can minimise discolouration.
5. Cut back on sweets and sugary foods. Instead, opt for foods that are good for your health such as crunchy vegetables or cheese.
6. Avoid smoking; it has a detrimental effect on the health and colour of your teeth.
7. Visit your dentist and your oral hygienist for regular check-ups.
8. Speak to your dentist before you undergo any teeth-whitening procedures; they can advise on the best treatments for you.

*with twice-daily brushing
 

HOW SENSODYNE WHITENING TOOTHPASTE CAN HELP

With so many teeth-whitening products available, finding the right one for your sensitive teeth can feel overwhelming. To help restore your smile, explore the full Sensodyne range, which features whitening toothpastes, to find the product suited to your needs.

We recommend the Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum Whitening toothpaste or the Sensodyne Daily Care Gentle Whitening toothpaste, which help protect teeth and gums while gently removing stains to restore natural whiteness.** Use these with the Sensodyne True White Toothbrush; its bristles are designed to remove stains and plaque.

*versus previous formulation
**with twice-daily brushing