Yeah, it's weird how sensitivity seems like a side note rather than a main topic. My dentist did mention it beforehand, but only briefly, and I didn't realize how intense it'd be until after the fact. Did your dentist explain why sensitivity happens in the first place? Mine just said something vague about enamel pores opening up...still not totally clear on that. Glad you found something that helped though, makes a huge difference.
"Mine just said something vague about enamel pores opening up...still not totally clear on that."
Haha, sounds like classic dentist-speak. Basically, whitening opens tiny channels in your enamel, letting stuff reach the nerves easier—cue sensitivity. Fluoride toothpaste afterward usually helps calm things down pretty quick though.
Haha, I get what you're saying about the fluoride toothpaste helping afterward, but honestly, it didn't do much for me. I've had professional whitening done twice now, and both times the sensitivity was pretty intense for a couple days. The dentist gave me the same spiel about enamel pores opening up and stuff reaching nerves easier...but even with fluoride toothpaste, I still felt those sharp zings whenever I drank something cold or hot.
The second time around, though, I tried something different. A friend suggested using one of those sensitivity toothpastes (like Sensodyne) for about two weeks before my appointment. I was skeptical at first—seemed like just another marketing gimmick—but figured it couldn't hurt to try. Surprisingly, it actually made a noticeable difference. The sensitivity afterward was way less intense and didn't last nearly as long. Still felt a bit uncomfortable, but nothing compared to the first time.
I guess everyone's teeth react differently, so fluoride toothpaste might be enough for some people. But if you're someone who tends to have sensitive teeth anyway (like me), prepping beforehand with sensitivity toothpaste might be worth a shot. Just thought I'd share since it worked better for me than just relying on fluoride afterward.
Also, random tip: avoid ice cream right after whitening...learned that one the hard way. 😂
I totally hear you on the sensitivity toothpaste thing—I had a similar experience. Fluoride alone didn't cut it for me either, but switching to Sensodyne a week or two before whitening made a big difference. Still felt a bit sensitive, but way more manageable. Oh, and yeah... ice cream afterward is brutal, lol.
Interesting you mention Sensodyne—I see a lot of patients who swear by it, but honestly, I've found that for some people it's not always enough. Have you ever tried using a fluoride varnish treatment at your dentist's office before whitening? It's a bit stronger and can make a noticeable difference in sensitivity levels afterward. Also, curious if your dentist recommended spacing out your whitening sessions? Sometimes doing shorter sessions spread over a longer period helps manage the sensitivity better than one long appointment. And yeah, ice cream afterward...ouch. Maybe stick to room temp treats for a day or two?
